Technical Specialist, Aeronautical Services

• Bring your specialist knowledge to enhance aviation safety

• Join the vibrant Aeronautical Services team

• Permanent position, flexible location

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 technology focussed Aviation Specialist to provide safety oversight of a broad range of aeronautical functions. This includes supporting New Zealand’s Air Traffic Management System, and the associated technologies facilitating Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems, Meteorology and Flight Procedure Design.

The role is safety focussed, and the successful candidate will be a required to perform Certification, Inspection and Monitoring activities of aviation organisations within the applicable operational environment. 

As part of the roles regulatory stewardship responsibilities, there is an important requirement for meaningful engagement with both the domestic and international aviation communities, to ensure the New Zealand aviation safety system remains fit for purpose and globally aligned.

This Technical Specialist position sits within the newly established Aviation Oversight Group and is a key member of a team of Aeronautical Technical Specialists lead by the Head of Aeronautical Services. The successful candidate will report directly to the Team Leader Aeronautical Service and work collaboratively with aviation specialists across the aviation system to influence positive safety outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for safety driven individuals who have experience in the aviation industry. To be successful in the roles, you will have,

• Proven knowledge of Aeronautical Telecommunications (Communications / Navigation / Surveillance Systems), Air Traffic Control, Air Traffic Management Systems, Flight Procedure Design, Meteorology and Human Factors.
• Knowledge in aviation risk assessment.
• Preferably 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. Air Traffic Control License 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, aviation industry, relevant government departments, and international organisations

The salary band for the Technical Specialist starts at $115,536 to a maximum of $161,412.  Starting salaries are to be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

 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: Tuesday 24 June 2025