Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Intelligence, IT & Communications
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Devonport
As an Electronic Warfare Specialist, you are a key component of the ship's war fighting team. An Electronic Warfare Specialist's primary war fighting role is to identify and defend against anti-ship missiles. You will be trained to have intimate knowledge of ships, aircraft, and their associated weapons and radars. Additionally, Electronic Warfare Specialists provide self-defence in a war-fighting capacity and assist in early warning of potential threats against the ship. Electronic Warfare Specialists must be able to gain and maintain a higher level security clearance as your day-to-day work is highly sensitive.
All Electronic Warfare Specialists complete demanding training in technical analysis and equipment usage. The day-to-day tasks are real challenges that offer great opportunities for high achievers.
Electronic Warfare Specialists are able to understand and meet the strict security constraints that surround this type of work, and are also able to present information clearly and concisely to those in command, giving them an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed.
Accepting Applications
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Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
“Going to so many different places thereʻs so much opportunity out there. If you’re the type of person you can definitely jump in at any chance you get – that’s the reason I joined.”
Jeanette Landers
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Job on base
When Electronic Warfare Specialists are not deployed they will work in the Naval Operations Support Unit which is located at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. In addition to this Electronic Warfare Specialists may be required to take up positions in the Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters, or the Joint Electronic Warfare Support Facility which are located in the Wellington region.
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Job on deployment
Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea primarily work in Defence Watches intercepting radar emissions and identifying potential threats. Electronic Warfare Specialists provide the ship with early warning and situational awareness so the Command Team can make appropriate decisions at the tactical level. In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Electronic Warfare Specialists, on a rotational basis.
Electronic Warfare Specialists are primarily employed on the ANZAC Class ships. However Electronic Warfare Specialists will deploy on the MRV and OPVs if there is an operational need to do so. There are also opportunities to deploy on one of the NZDF operational missions overseas or undertake a posting overseas that will allow you to enhance your tradecraft.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:
- Teamwork and support
- Naval history and customs
- Drill and parades
- Core mariner skills and weapons training
- First aid and firefighting
- Physical fitness
- Self-discipline
02Job Training
Job Training
On completion of BCT, an Ordinary Electronic Warfare Specialist (OEWS) will undergo training at the Maritime Electronic Warfare School for 16 weeks. During this time an OEWS will complete training on sophisticated Command and Control Systems, Technical Radar Theory and Warfare Theory.
All sailors are required to complete damage control (DC) training. The three main components of DC are fire fighting, flooding and toxic gas drills. Seamanship, sea survival, rifle training are also mandatory to be an effective and safe member of the ships company.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
Further courses, promotions and training opportunities are available throughout your career as are opportunities to deploy on Peacekeeping missions and overseas deployments.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
As soon as basic and specialist training is complete, Electronic Warfare Specialists usually post to the Naval Operations Support Unit to consolidate the skills learnt and work towards your promotion to Able Electronic Warfare Specialist. When at sea, the Operations Room is where the operations/exercises are co-ordinated. Electronic Warfare Specialists have been predominantly employed on both the Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC Ships. With the introduction of the Project Protector Fleet (i.e. Multi Role Vessel, Off Shore Patrol Vessels and Inshore Patrol Vessels) Electronic Warfare Specialist personnel will be required to augment these ships in order to enhance the ships Indications and Warnings and Force Protection. In addition, with the specialist training that personnel now receive, there are opportunities for personnel to work in locations around New Zealand and overseas.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Be Prepared
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Navy career?
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