Specialist Technical Advisor Equipment

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are recruiting for five Technical Advisor positions within the Defence Equipment and Management Organisation (DEMO). Each role provides expert technical leadership and advice within a specialist capability area, supporting the delivery, sustainment, and optimisation of critical NZDF equipment and systems.

Technical Advisor opportunities are available for experienced professionals in:

• Communications and Electronic Warfare (Comms & EW): Support a diverse portfolio of military communications and electronic warfare capabilities, ranging from legacy systems through to emerging communications technologies being introduced into service. This includes HF, VHF, and UHF radio systems, satellite communications systems, and associated communications networks and infrastructure.
• Network Enabled Army (NEA): Support a diverse portfolio of deployable communications and information systems entering service. Work spans RF communications, networking, computing, and digital communications technologies, providing technical advice throughout the capability life cycle, from development and acquisition through to fielding, sustainment, and operational use.
• Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Night Observation (STANO): Electro-optical technician or engineering professional to provide day to day management of deployable equipment working with an extensive range of STANO equipment including night vision systems, thermal imagining systems, and surveillance systems.
• Electrical: Expertise in power generations, HVAC, and electrical reticulation to provide technical leadership and advice across NZDF power systems fleets.
• Protected Mobility Capability Project (PCMP): Experience in automotive engineering to provide technical leadership and advice across NZDF wheeled mobility fleets.

These positions play a critical role in ensuring NZDF equipment and systems remain safe, capable, fit for purpose, and ready to support operational requirements.

You will drive continuous improvement, analyse complex technical data, and support the integration of new capabilities into service. Whether you are guiding maintenance strategies, solving technical challenges, advising on configuration changes, or contributing to incident investigations, you will play a key role in strengthening operational readiness and shaping the future of NZDF equipment management.

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 for this role ranges from $90,158 - $99,501, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Please Note: Within NZDF, the formal title for each position is Technical Advisor Comms & EW, Technical Advisor NEA, Technical Advisor STANO, Technical Advisor Electrical, and Technical Advisor PCMP.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You’ll bring a strong technical or engineering background with hands-on experience working with complex equipment. You will be a great communicator with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levels. You will be motivated to seek out any information not provided to you, an ability to see the bigger picture of how everything fits, great problem solving skills and the ability to clearly articulate technical information to non-technical audiences.

You’ll also have:

• Experience in equipment management or lifecycle management, including maintenance planning, technical assurance, or compliance activities.
• Strong knowledge and practical technical/engineering expertise in associated equipment/technology and commodities.
• Skilled in analysing complex equipment performance, maintenance trends and technical issues to support informed decision making.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with operators, maintainers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems, along with standard Microsoft business tools.
• Relevant trade qualification in the specialist discipline and at least five years or practical experience in the related role.

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 Thursday 17 September 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.