Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) Technical Specialist

• Bring your specialist knowledge to enhance aviation safety

• Join the vibrant Aeronautical Services team

• Permanent position, Wellington based

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure.

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the Authority. These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient and effective in everything we do.

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos. We’re also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.

About the Role

We are seeking a Technical Specialist within the Aeronautical Services Unit to provide proactive oversight of a broad range of issues focussing on Aeronautical Telecommunication Services like communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems.

There will be a requirement to conduct inspection and monitoring activity on site at certificated and non-certificated aerodromes and the associated operational environment. 

This role will report to the Team Leader Aeronautical Services and work collaboratively within a small team of aviation specialists to influence positive aviation safety outcomes and will engage both domestically aviation and non-aviation organisations as well as with the international aviation community where appropriate, to ensure safety and the CAA regulatory capability is maintained.

Currently, we are a team of specialists responsible for the safety and regulatory oversight of the main aviation technology, aerodrome and airspace infrastructure elements supporting the wider aviation system. 

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a safety driven individual who has experience of the aviation industry. To be successful in this role, you will have,

• Proven knowledge of Aeronautical Telecommunications, Air Navigation or Air Traffic Management Systems.
• Knowledge in aviation risk assessment.
• Preferably with experience in monitoring, inspection and certification activities.
• Sound written and oral communication skills
• Hold or has held a professional aviation license or qualification (e.g., Engineering, Air Traffic Control or equivalent qualification or experience).
• Experience in leading and/or facilitating of meetings and workshops.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgement and sound decision making with integrity and objectivity.
• The ability to build professional and technical credibility within the CAA, industry, relevant government departments and international organisations.

The salary band for this position is circa $141,751. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader Authority for the same or similar roles.

About Us

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success. 

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

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

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close Monday 29 September 2025