Army - Automotive Technician

Defence Technology Agency; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 69,883 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sponsored tertiary study programmes

Free access to gyms and swimming pools

Subsidised food and accommodation

Job summary

Defence Technology Agency in Upper Hutt is seeking an Automotive Technician to ensure the readiness of military vehicles. This role involves diagnosing and repairing a range of equipment under various conditions. Candidates must be prepared to undergo military training and commit to a 2-year service. A competitive salary of $69,883 is offered with potential to earn up to $98,000. This opportunity includes comprehensive training and valuable qualifications that few civilian jobs can provide.

Qualifications

• Experience with diesel trucks and armoured vehicles is preferred.
• Willingness to serve 2 years in the Army after training.
• Ability to work in varied and challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair a variety of military vehicles.
• Perform both basic servicing and complex repairs.
• Provide support in both camp and deployment environments.

Skills

Problem-solving

Mechanical skills

Teamwork

Education

Must be 18 years old by graduation

Tools

Light Armoured Vehicles

Generators

Job description

Our Automotive Technicians are the backbone of the Army, keeping soldiers and vehicles mission ready. From diesel trucks to armoured vehicles, motorbikes to generators, you’ll be the expert who keeps the force moving.

About the role

Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades

Entry type

Under training

$69,883

Location

Trentham

This isn’t just turning spanners, this is keeping the Army moving. This isn’t just a mechanic’s job it’s a career filled with adventure, teamwork, and nationally recognised qualifications. You’ll train on equipment most mechanics never touch, gain leadership skills, and take on challenges in the field that civilian workshops can’t match. Join us, and turn your skills into power, pride, and purpose.

As an Automotive Technician, you’ll be the one who makes sure everything from Light Armoured Vehicles and heavy trucks, to motorbikes, generators and even chainsaws are ready for action. When something breaks, you’ll be the problem solver who gets it running again whether you’re in the workshop or out in the field. Every day is different. One week you might be on exercise repairing vehicles under pressure, the next you could be on the range firing weapons or gaining nationally-recognised trade qualifications that set you up for life. You’ll join a tight knit team, travel, push yourself, and gain skills that few civilian jobs can match. Most importantly, you’ll know your work keeps soldiers safe and missions on track.

If you’re looking for a career with adventure, purpose, and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, then this is it.

Accepting Applications

Recruit Regular Force 422, starts 18 Jan 2027 Apply by 19 Oct 2026

• Must be18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.

Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 2 years in the Army. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in oureligibility section . Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

“Not only do we get to work on all the vehicles but we get taught how to drive all of them as well. That includes the Light Armoured Vehicles and the new Bushmasters.”

Job on base

You’ll be responsible for keeping the Army moving and providing support wherever you are in camp. You will be given all the knowledge and tools required to diagnose and repair any possible fault with any of our fleet of vehicles. The repairs you will perform range from basic servicing tasks to engine replacements. Variety is also provided in your day-to-day camp routine by the inclusion of sport, PT, parades, and other soldier skills and training activities.

Job on deployment

Automotive Technicians deploy on a variety of overseas deployments and postings, which could range from a three-month deployment within a South Pacific nation to a deployment of 8 months with the United Nations.

While deployed you will find yourself working on a wide variety of equipment, from forklifts to the MHOVs and MAN Trucks . You'll fix what you can in the field, or recover the vehicle to bring it back to base for repair. Your working environment will differ: you could be working at night to repair equipment from under a tarpaulin on grass, or be working within a concrete-floored building. The exciting part of this job is the challenge of having to repair equipment with sometimes limited resources.

Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:

• Organisation and Administration
• Army Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Field Skills and Weapon Training

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

• Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
• Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
• Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
• Opportunities to travel
• Free and subsidised medical and dental care
• Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
• Subsidised insurance cover

&

Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

Under training

$69,883

Future potential earnings

$98,000

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Get behind the wheel of vehicles you wouldn’t drive in any other career. Take your driving skills to some of the world’s most interesting places.