Airworthiness Inspector

• Positively influence and improve New Zealand’s aviation safety performance
• Apply your operational knowledge and experience to enhance the safety and security of New Zealand’s aviation system
• Role can be based in Wellington CBD, Christchurch Airport, Auckland Airport

About the role

As an Airworthiness Inspector in our Certification and Monitoring Team, you will work closely with operators to positively influence and improve aviation safety performance. You will promote safety and best practices within the New Zealand aviation system, and as such, you will be required to exercise sound judgement and responsibility within an established operating framework.

You will be responsible for carrying out certification activities for organisations seeking to operate in the aviation system, and to ensure they meet the requirements for certification. This includes conducting certification assessments to determine requirements against the Civil Aviation Rules and to record certification decisions in a way that supports the CAA’s goals and objectives. 

This role can be based at Wellington CBD, Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport.

The salary band for this role is $115,536 to $161,412, with the mid-range being $141,751. Starting salaries are to be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role please view the position description.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for an aviation professional who is passionate about safety and can demonstrate a sound understanding of the maintenance and administrative requirements for airworthiness for rotor wing aircraft and/or fixed wing aircraft.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:

• An ICAO Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence with at least 5 years’ experience in aircraft maintenance or manufacturing support experience, or
• Hold an Engineering Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant aviation discipline with aircraft maintenance or manufacturing support experience

Applicants should also bring:

• Operational knowledge and experience
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely with external parties to provide clear and objective decisions about potential safety issues
• Integrity, professionalism and aviation experience and be passionate about improving safety performance
• Systems thinking approach combined with an ability to think critically and solve problems will be of benefit in your day-to-day work
• Proven aircraft maintenance experience with rotor or fixed wing in the Part 145/135/125/121 environment
• Supervisory and/or SMS experience in any of these environments

About us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why Join Us?

• 5 weeks annual leave,
• Sick leave entitlements from Day 1
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu Vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

Ready to Apply?

Apply directly by completing the online application form (please note emailed applications will not be considered). Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: Friday 13 November 2026