Technical Advisor Physical Security

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 105,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force seeks a Technical Advisor Physical Security to provide expert advice on electronic security systems across critical defence infrastructure. You will conduct complex inspections, design and certify security solutions, and engage with Defence, industry, and government partners to achieve robust security outcomes.

The role demands 5+ years in electronic security, strong analytical and communication skills, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience with electronic security systems.
• Experience designing, implementing, maintaining or providing assurance of electronic security systems in complex environments.
• Knowledge of CCTV, intrusion detection, access control and security management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with risk-based decision making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement across diverse teams.
• Familiarity with NZ government security environment and PSR frameworks is advantageous.
• Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) licence is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist electronic security systems and technical advice.
• Conduct complex technical security inspections and assessments.
• Specify, design, review, certify and assure electronic security systems.
• Engage with Defence, industry, and government partners to deliver technical security outcomes.
• Research emerging security technologies to support capability development.
• Develop and deliver technical training, system evaluations, and research.

Skills

Electronic security systems

Security risk assessments

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Tools

CCTV

Intrusion detection

Access control

Integrated security management

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleJoin a close-knit, collaborative team of security professionals responsible for delivering specialist electronic security advice and solutions across some of New Zealand's most critical defence infrastructure, facilities and platforms (ships and aircraft). As the Technical Advisor Physical Security, you will play a key role in protecting critical assets by providing expertise on electronic security systems and contributing to security risk assessments that support physical security outcomes.This is a unique opportunity to work in a complex and varied environment where no two days are the same. You'll engage with stakeholders across Defence and industry, influence security outcomes, and help shape solutions that safeguard people, information, and critical capabilities. In return, you'll enjoy a supportive team culture, excellent development opportunities, and meaningful work that supports national security.In this role, you will:Provide specialist electronic security systems and technical advice.Conduct complex technical security inspections and assessments.Specify, design, review, certify and assure electronic security systems.Engage with Defence, industry, and government partners to deliver technical security outcomes.Researching and evaluating emerging security technologies to support future capability development.Develop and deliver technical training, system evaluations, and research to maintain technical security capability.The salary for this role ranges from $105,068 -$116,621, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceWe're looking for an experienced security professional with a strong technical knowledge and a passion for solving complex problems. You'll bring sound judgement, a collaborative approach, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.This role offers exposure to a broad range of technologies, projects and operational environments. It will suit someone who enjoys variety, values teamwork, and is committed to continuous learning and professional development. You'll be encourage to contribute ideas, share your expertise, and make a meaningful impact across Defence.To be successful, you will bring:A minimum of 5 years' experience working with electronic security systems.Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, maintaining or providing assurance of electronic security systems within complex environments.Knowledge of security technologies such as CCTV, intrusion detection, access control and integrated security management systems.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience contributing to security assessments, audits, or risk-based decision making.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across diverse teams and organisations.A commitment to continuous learning, professional development and maintaining technical currency in a rapidly evolving field.Exposure to the New Zealand Government security environment, including familiarity with Protective Security Requirements (PSR) or government security frameworks, would be an advantage.An Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) practicing licence would be advantageous.This role requires you to be willing and able to travel on a regular basis domestically and as required internationally, including overnight or multi-night stays. You will need a full Class 1 NZ Drivers Licence, and NZ Citizenship due to the security clearance requirements of the position.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard 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 ApplyApplications close on Thursday 12 November 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 ClearanceYou 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.