Principal Technical Advisor - Maritime at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role provides specialist technical expertise and advice on maritime regulatory requirements, including the application of international conventions, national and Classification Society rules and regulations, and associated technical standards. You will play a key role in ensuring the New Zealand Defence Force meets its maritime regulatory obligations, while delivering trusted advice and excellent service to internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Maintain knowledge of and provide expert advice on the latest technical and legislative changes to maritime regulations and standards.
• Ensuring NZDF compliance with national and international regulatory obligations, aligned with recognised best practice for military seaworthiness.
• Interpreting and determining the applicability of new or alternative means of compliance and providing risk advice for design deficiencies and regulatory non-compliance.
• Assessing and approving proposed means of compliance with rules and standards, including major engineering modifications.
• Offering high-level engineering expertise, drawing on proven experience and deep technical knowledge of ship design and specifications.
• Monitoring, reporting, and advising on compliance, providing independent specialist advice to the NZDF Maritime Regulator and Seaworthiness Authority.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone to bring the following key skills and experience to the role:

• Significant engineering and maritime experience with strong technical competence.
• Experience in technical regulation in an engineering/maritime environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in ship design, vessel systems, and maritime engineering standards.
• The ability to apply regulatory frameworks pragmatically while maintaining safety, compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Strong advisory skills and the confidence to operate as an independent technical authority.
• A relevant graduate qualification in maritime related engineering, Naval Architecture or similar field.
• In depth knowledge of maritime regulation including IMO conventions and standards, and Class Rules and Regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply design and engineering standards in support of design acceptance.
• Risk Management, Auditing and Quality Assurance experience.

This role is based in Wellington. Once you have completed training and are fully established in the role, there may be options for flexible working arrangements such as working from home 1 day per week.

Applications may 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.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – 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 Wednesday 18 February 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.