Senior Technical Advisor Auto Protected Mobility

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join the New Zealand Defence Force’s Defence Equipment Management Organisation (DEMO) and play a pivotal role in ensuring our protected mobility and light vehicle fleets remain safe, reliable, and operationally effective. As the Senior Technical Advisor Automotive Protected Mobility, you’ll provide expert technical leadership across the full lifecycle of military vehicle fleets, from acquisition and introduction into service through to maintenance, upgrades and disposal.

This is a Senior Technical Advisory position working closely with equipment managers, engineers, military personnel, manufacturers, contractors, and government stakeholders. You’ll influence strategic fleet decisions, provide specialist engineering advice, lead technical assurance activities, and ensure NZD vehicle fleets continue to support operational readiness both now and into the future.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading technical and safety assurance activities across protected mobility and light vehicle fleets.
• Providing expert automotive technical advice on fleet management, maintenance strategies, and integrated logistics support.
• Supporting new capability projects, equipment acquisitions, and introduction into service activities.
• Managing fleet performance, defect investigations, and root cause analysis.
• Building strong relationships with users, manufactures, suppliers, and key NZDF stakeholders.
• Researching and developing technical solutions to a wide range of equipment management and support matters.
• Producing and reviewing technical documents for NZDF publications.
• Managing a technical advisor.

We are a great bunch of people who manage equipment that is critical to New Zealand's defence. We are committed to building a DEMO culture where we strive to be better every day, inspire others to succeed and are proud of the work we do for New Zealand. Our Recognition and Rewards programme creates an environment where employees feel valued, appreciated and inspired to do their best. We have a leadership team committed to the development of our people and you will find that learning opportunities abound at DEMO. Combined with a calendar of cultural events, DEMO offers a great work environment where you can realise your full potential.

The salary range for this role is $97,344 - $112,555 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role, with offers generally made between $97,344 and $107,485.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We’re seeking an experienced automotive engineering professional with a strong background in fleet management, technical assurance, and maintenance support. You’ll bring a practical and strategic mindset, with the ability to translate complex technical information into sound operational decisions that support organisational outcomes.

This role will suit someone who enjoys working in a complex environment where they can influence long term capability outcomes, mentor others, and contribute to the ongoing supportability and effectiveness of critical defence equipment.

To be successful, you will have:

• At least 10 years’ experience in automotive, heavy vehicle, diesel engineering, or a related mechanical engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in fleet management, technical assurance, engineering compliance, or maintenance management.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle engineering principles, maintenance systems, and safety standards.
• A New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) or equivalent qualification or higher, is essential.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.

This role requires occasional domestic travel across NZDF’s Camps and Bases. International travel may be required.

You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence. Heavy vehicle licences are advantageous.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.