Simulator Pilot (Fixed-Term)

About Airways International Limited

Airways International Ltd (AIL) is the commercial arm of Airways New Zealand – providing air traffic services training, simulation & selection solutions, uncrewed traffic management, aeronautical information management, flight procedures and aviation consultancy services to the global aviation industry. As pioneers and market leaders, we partner with some of the best in the industry to develop and deliver world-leading products and services.

About The Team

The TotalControl ATC simulator is used for air traffic controller training. We have two large simulators based in Auckland and Christchurch as well as four mobile sims, all operated from our Christchurch campus.

The simulators are available seven days per week between 7am - 7pm, operated by Simulator Pilots and Controllers who are split into two teams (surveillance and towers), each with their own team leader.

Hours Of Work

• Training and simulator operations are conducted between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Sunday.
• A shift is comprised of 8.5 hours including a 30-minute lunch break, starting between 7am - 10.30am.
• Shifts are generally rostered between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays, although some early morning, evening, weekend and public holiday shifts are required.
• Rosters are published by the second week of each month, providing visibility of the following month's schedule.

About The Role

We have two full-time fixed term (9 months) Simulator Pilot opportunities available at our Christchurch campus, ideally starting early January and concluding at the end of September 2027.

Working in a computer-based simulation environment, Simulator Pilots use radio-telephony (RTF) calls and keyboard commands to operate simulated aircraft during air traffic control training exercises. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for people with an aviation background who enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What You'll Be Doing During a Shift

• Prepare each simulation exercise by reviewing the training script and setting up the simulator.
• Operate simulated aircraft during training exercises lasting between 45 minutes and three hours.
• Manage multiple aircraft simultaneously through keyboard commands, communicating with trainee Air Traffic Controllers using standard aviation phraseology.
• Make real-time flight adjustments while maintaining accuracy and situational awareness.
• Reset and prepare the simulator between exercises throughout the day.

About You

We have traditionally recruited people with flying or air traffic services experience, as the role requires a strong understanding of aviation terminology and the ability to interpret information quickly and accurately.

To Be Successful, You'll Have

• Flying experience with a Pilot Licence, or an Air Traffic Services background.
• Strong keyboard skills, attention to detail and spatial awareness.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Flexibility to work across a seven-day roster.

Desirable

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) experience.

To Apply

If you want to play your part in enhancing the role training is playing in supporting Airways, please submit your application (CV and Cover Letter) via the job advertisement.

Please note that you must be legally eligible to work in New Zealand to be considered.

This role will require the successful candidate to undergo pre-employment background checks including (as relevant) references, drug and alcohol screening, criminal conviction, and related checks.

Application closing date is Wednesday, 25 November 2026.

Our recruitment process is managed via our parent company Airways New Zealand.

At Airways, our people are at the heart of what we do to keep NZ skies safe. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where people feel they belong and can bring their whole self to work. We currently hold the Rainbow Tick and NQTick (neurodiversity) and are working towards Gender Tick. We make our recruitment decisions based on the best candidate for the job and therefore encourage applications from diverse candidates.

Position description Apply now

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