Instructor Avionics at NZ Defence Force, Nelson - Marlborough

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The New Zealand Defence Force is seeking an experienced Avionics Instructor to join the Air Force Technical Training team. In this rewarding role, you will use your technical expertise and industry experience to deliver high-quality training to Avionics Mechanics, Avionics Technicians, and specialist postgraduate trainees.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your avionics knowledge with instructional delivery, helping develop skilled aviation maintenance personnel while upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and technical airworthiness.

• Deliver practical and theoretical instruction across avionics maintenance and trade training programmes.
• Assess trainee competence, technical performance, and workplace behaviours.
• Mark assessments, prepare trainee reports, and maintain accurate training records.
• Promote and maintain technical airworthiness and safety standards.
• Support a positive learning environment that encourages professional growth and development.

The salary for this role starts from $83,507 with a midpoint of $92,111, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

As an Avionics Instructor, you will be responsible for planning, developing, and delivering avionics trade training programmes. You will assess trainee performance, provide coaching and feedback, contribute to training development activities, and act as a subject matter expert within the training environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in avionics maintenance.
• Strong understanding of flight line operations and test and measurement practices.
• Experience delivering training, coaching, mentoring, or instruction in a technical environment.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with adult learners and young trainees.
• Strong research, problem-solving, and administrative skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, and computer-based systems.

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

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 Wednesday 16 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.
• 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.