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Navy

Weapon Engineer Officer

As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will be one of the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management system experts.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Engineering & Technical trades | Officers & Management

  • Entry type

    Officer entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will become an expert in the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management systems.

Onboard a ship you will lead a team of skilled technicians who maintain and repair the sophisticated equipment that provides our Navy’s fighting capability. Information Technology is key in your area of work, however a diverse range of systems will be under your charge.

Leadership and effective communication in a multi-disciplinary environment will be your key qualities. You are also likely to be a logical thinker who works well with people and seeks a challenging work environment.

Requirements

Basics

Education

Applicants require a BE(Hons) or BEngTech, typically in a field such as electrical, electronics or computer engineering.

Applicants from most engineering specialities will be considered. Applicants with a Degree in Computer Science, Systems or IT are also encouraged to apply.

Scholarship entry

The Navy offers graduate and undergraduate scholarships for engineering students who demonstrate the qualities required to become a Weapon Engineer Officer.

The minimum educational requirement to apply for a scholarship is NCEA Level 3 with 18 credits in Level 3 Mathematics and Physics and University Entrance.

The scholarships are:

  • Salary (Tangaroa) Scheme: Become an Officer in the Navy and be paid to study at the University of Auckland, Massey University (Albany Campus), or the Auckland University of Technology on a ‘year for a year’ return of service basis. There will also be an opportunity for one Tangaroa Scheme MEO per year to study naval architecture through the conjoint AUT and University of Tasmania maritime studies programme.
  • Bursary (Chatham) Scheme: Study at the university of your choice while the Navy covers your fees and a living allowance on a ‘year for a year’ return of service basis.
  • Graduate (Amakoura) Scheme: Study at the university of your choice and, on completion of your degree, you will have approximately a quarter of your course fees reimbursed annually for every year you serve for up to four years. No return of service incurred.

Read more about our scholarships >

Fitness & Medical

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV 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.

“Tactical problem solving, tinkering and leading from the front are my three passions.”

Keith Cook

  • Job on base

    In shore based positions, generally in Devonport Naval Base (Auckland), Weapon Engineers perform duties in support of the fleet. You are responsible for the procurement and through-life support of our ships, as well as the training and management of our officers and sailors.

    A diverse range of positions are available such as project management, equipment procurement and upgrades, system performance analysis and maintenance planning. Your career will be managed so that you rotate regularly through these roles, ensuring you develop a broad understanding of weapon and combat systems engineering tasks. Further specialist training will be provided in fields such as project management, to ensure you have all the skills required for the job.

  • Job on deployment

    Onboard a ship, once you’re fully qualified you will lead the Weapon Engineering Department – a team of up to 31 skilled technicians.

    You will be responsible directly to the Commanding Officer for the performance and availability of the equipment under your charge and the welfare and training of the people under your leadership.

    You will hold a senior position onboard and will work closely with the other members of the senior leadership team to achieve the ship’s objectives.

    .

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

    $142,000

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

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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?

APPLY NOW

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