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Navy

Electronic Warfare Specialist

Be the ships eyes and ears and give your ship a winning edge. You’ll see what others can’t by intercepting and identifying electronic signals.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

An Electronic Warfare Specialist (EWS) is integral to maritime warfighting, combining electronic warfare with intelligence analysis. This dual role enhances the effectiveness of naval operations by identifying the unknown and providing intelligence in complex operational environments. You will ensure the ship is not fighting the unknown.

EWS’ primary war fighting role is to identify and defend against Anti-Ship missiles. EWS are trained to have intimate knowledge of ships, aircraft, and their associated weapons and radars.

EWS’ work allows the ships Command Team to make well informed decisions at a tactical level assisting in early warning against potential threats. EWS’ are 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.

Electronic Warfare Specialists also must be able to gain and maintain a TOP SECRET SPECIAL security clearance as the day-to-day work is highly sensitive. Electronic Warfare Specialists are able to understand and meet the strict security constraints that surround this type of work.

In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors on-board HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship and operational units.

Accepting Applications

  • 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.

 

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

  • Job on base

    When Electronic Warfare Specialists are not deployed they will work in the Naval Operations Support Unit (NOSU). In this unit EWS are responsible for providing support to deployed ships and units by maintaining situational awareness of events around the world. As a EWS in NOSU you will be expected to research, analyse and deliver briefs based on current events and ship movements. 

    EWS’ are also employed in a number of shore based operational support units locally and internationally.

  • Job on deployment

    Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea primarily work in operations room intercepting radar emissions, maintaining situational awareness and identifying potential threats to the ship.  An Electronic Warfare Specialists war fighting role is to identify and defend against Anti-Ship missiles by utilising cutting edge decoy systems and an intimate knowledge of tactics and procedures to limit the threat an Anti- Ship missile poses to the ship.

    Electronic Warfare Specialists are primarily employed on ANZAC Class ships (Frigates). However Electronic Warfare Specialists will deploy on any HMNZ ships if there is an operational requirement to do so.

    EWS have the opportunity to have one of the most diverse set of deployment opportunities including in addition to Ship deployments and land based operations there are opportunities to work with allied and coalition forces internationally including in Canada, the UK and Australia on a regular basis.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Specialist Training

05Career Progression

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.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Be Prepared

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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
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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
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Ready to start your Navy career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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