Navy - Cryptologic Technician

Defence Technology Agency; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 69,833 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to gyms and swimming pools

Sponsored tertiary study programs

Free and subsidized medical care

Subsidized food and accommodation

Opportunities to travel

Job summary

The Defence Technology Agency is hiring a Cryptologic Technician in Auckland, New Zealand. As a critical part of the ship's intelligence gathering operations, you will be trained to operate advanced communications equipment to gather information vital for mission success. The position offers a salary of $69,833 with future potential earnings up to $98,000.

This role demands strong analytical skills, the ability to maintain a Top Secret security clearance, and involves clear communication of complex information to navy officers. Additionally, the agency provides various benefits including subsidized health care and opportunities for tertiary education.

Qualifications

• Experience completing demanding training in technical analysis.
• Ability to operate sensitive communications equipment.
• Strong understanding of security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide communications support in a war fighting capacity.
• Detect, intercept, and analyze electronic emissions.
• Present operational information to officers.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to maintain security clearance

Analytical skills

Technical analysis

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

10 years of New Zealand citizenship

Job description

About the role

Entry type

General entry

Under training

$69,833

Location

As a Cryptologic Technician (CT), you will provide communications support in a war fighting capacity. Being a CT means you’re vital to the ships intelligence gathering operation. This role was previously named Communications Technician.

You will be trained to operate highly sensitive and cutting-edge communications equipment to detect, intercept, collect, identify, analyse and exploit electronic emissions in defence of the ship and to gather information to support the mission of the fleet. Additionally, CTs present this information to the ship’s officers to support decision making in threat environments.

As a Cryptologic Technician, you will complete demanding training in technical analysis and equipment usage. Your day-to-day tasks will be real challenges that offer great opportunities for high achievers.

You will need to understand and adhere to strict security requirements that surround this type of work and be able to present information clearly and concisely to command and provide an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed. Cryptologic Technicians must be able to gain and maintain a Top Secret Vetting security clearance as your day-to-day work is highly sensitive.

Accepting Applications

Basic Common Training 27/2, starts 23 Aug 2027 Apply by 05 Jan 2027

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.

Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS security clearance for this trade and must have 10 years of New Zealand citizenship.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

Step into the world of high-stakes intelligence and cutting‑edge technology as a Cryptologic Technician (CT). Previously known as a Communications Technician, this role is vital to the ship’s intelligence‑gathering operations, ensuring the fleet stays ahead in complex threat environments.

Job on base

When Cryptologic Technicians are not deployed they will likely be based in the Wellington area at the Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters. Positions in Auckland will be at the Naval Operations Support Unit which is located in Devonport Naval Base. Positions also exist for two‑year exchanges based in Canberra, Australia.

Job on deployment

Cryptologic Technicians at sea primarily work in Defence Watches which consist of a 7 x 5 routine (i.e. 7 hours on, 7 hours off, 5 hours on, 5 hours off). In addition to the primary duties of a Cryptologic Technician, sailors on board HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Cryptologic Technician, on a rotational basis.

Cryptologic Technicians are primarily employed on the ANZAC Class ships. However, with the introduction of the Project Protector Fleet (i.e. Multi‑Role Vessel and Off‑Shore Patrol Vessels) Cryptologic Technicians are required to augment these ships in order to enhance the ships Indications and Warnings and Force Protection. There are also opportunities to deploy on one of the other NZDF operational missions overseas or undertake a posting overseas that will allow you to enhance your tradecraft.

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

• Teamwork and support
• Naval history and customs
• Drill and parades
• Core mariner skills and weapons 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 Navy are well‑rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

Under training

$69,833

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.

As a Combat Systems Specialist (CSS) you will work in a team to operate military radars and sonars to understand what ships, aircraft and submarines are in the vicinity of a warship, whether threat or friendly force. If necessary, you'll operate remotely controlled weapons systems to defend and defeat the enemy. You’ll also act as a crucial communications link between maritime helicopters and home plate (the Ship).

General entry

General entry

Be the ships eyes and ears and give your ship a winning edge. You’ll see what others can’t by intercepting and identifying electronic signals.