Mo te tunga | About the role

The Instructor Weapons Engineering role will provide specialist knowledge and training, teaching a set of skills, mainly regarding information systems, through modern day instructional techniques, enhancing these skills with practice to ensure that NZDF personnel have attained the necessary levels of competence needed in the performance of their roles.

This role encompasses two primary responsibilities.

Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation and delivery of lessons to new and existing recruits
• Running of assessments for trainees/apprentices
• Marking of assessments and providing constructive feedback
• Forging and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders involved
• Serving as a Subject Matter Expert in the instruction of specialist skills for both common and environmental training and education
• Accounting for, diagnosing and recommissioning weapons and IS with the ability to teach these skills in an end to end process style to trainees.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

You must have a working knowledge of training and education in a hybrid environment, familiar with delivering both theory and practical instruction to the modern day learner. You will have the ability to deliver complex technical information to new recruits and various stakeholders.

You will hold a qualification in Adult Learning, and network administration and maintenance understanding so you can confidentially be able to teach and train.

You will:

• Have confidence in using MS Outlook, Word and SharePoint
• Possess relevant IS engineering experience
• Have experience in diagnosis, repair and maintenance of weapons
• Hold a full clean, Class 1 Drivers Licence
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and ability to relate to a diverse range of people
• Be an effective communicator with strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Have an eye for detail and the ability to effectively manage and prioritise tasks
• Possess the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders demonstrating strong problem solving skills, be solutions focused with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Nou 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 pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 13 July 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.