Mo te tunga | About the role

Defence Science & Technology (DST) is a civilian unit within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), delivering trusted scientific advice and technical support to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Based in Devonport, DST brings together a multidisciplinary team tackling challenges from the undersea domain through to space-supporting the NZDF to operate effectively in increasingly complex and contested environments.

You will join our Autonomous Systems Team, conducting applied research that directly supports the NZDF to develop effective drone-based capabilities and to protect against drone-related threats.

In this role, you will apply your strong software engineering skills to:

• Enhance counter-drone systems.
• Develop DST's experimental drone platforms and payloads.
• Research and prototype new operational concepts.

This includes writing high-quality software for tasks such as integrating individual drones into shared command-and-control systems and developing/implementing autonomy algorithms for drone/counter-drone applications.

This is a unique and rewarding role suited to an early to mid-career engineer or scientist, offering a high level of technical challenge and strong opportunities to work with our NZ-based and international research partners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver research in autonomous systems and related technologies.
• Provide expert technical advice to NZDF and government stakeholders.
• Communicate research outcomes through reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Collaborate with national and international research partners.
• Contribute to future capability development and research direction.

What DST offers

• Meaningful, real-world work supporting New Zealand's national defence.
• Access to unique research platforms and operational environments.
• Collaboration with specialist research teams and international partners.
• A friendly, and supportive workplace with a strong emphasis on professional development.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

You're a technically strong and curious problem-solver who enjoys applying engineering/science knowledge and skills to real-world challenges.

You will have:

• An honours degree in engineering or science (essential).
• A relevant postgraduate qualification (preferred), or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated software development experience (Python, C, or C++ preferred).
• Experience with robotics frameworks and tools (e.g. ROS2, Gazebo).
• Experience interfacing sensors, including computer vision pipelines (e.g. GStreamer).
• Competence in collaborative software development/configuration management (e.g. Git).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A positive attitude and strong motivation to contribute to New Zealand's defence and security.

Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage:

• Data standards and protocols relevant to autonomous systems (e.g. STANAG 4817, SAPIENT).
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
• Counter-drone technologies and techniques.
• Sensor technologies.
• Modelling and simulation.
• Vehicle guidance, navigation, and control.
• Electronic warfare.
• Radio-frequency engineering.
• Field- and laboratory-based experimentation.
• Cloud or edge computing technologies.
• Containerisation technologies (e.g. Docker).

Desirable Experience

• 3-5 years of post-graduate experience in relevant industry or an academic research environment is preferred.
• Applications from strong early-career graduates will also be considered.

Couple of things to note

• You will need to be able to travel nationally and internationally.
• You will need to be comfortable working in military environments (for example at sea).
• Salary will be based on the skills and experiences you bring to the role.

If you are excited by the opportunity to use science and engineering to solve real-world defence challenges, we encourage you to apply.

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 Tuesday 9 June 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.