Technical Operative

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people. Why join the NZSIS? The NewZealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) is the nation’s domestic and foreign security intelligence agency. Our mission is to protect NewZealand and its people from emerging threats through the collection, analysis and reporting of high‑value intelligence. As a Technical Operative you will apply cutting‑edge tradecraft and technology to support national‑security investigations that directly contribute to the safety and security of all NewZealanders. We encourage applications from people of all genders, cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities and life experiences. NZSIS recognises that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to protect the nation. If you do not meet every single attribute but have transferable skills or experience, a strong willingness to learn and a commitment to our mission, you are still encouraged to apply. The role: You will work as part of a multidisciplinary technical team delivering overt and covert solutions in the field. Responsibilities include: Designing, building, testing and troubleshooting bespoke electronic, mechanical, RF or control‑system solutions. Deploying technical equipment that enables intelligence collection and analysis. Making rapid, sound decisions under pressure, often with incomplete information. Contributing to continuous‑improvement initiatives and sharing knowledge across the organisation. There are opportunities for successful candidates to be based in Auckland or Wellington. The role will require full‑time on‑site work, with occasional field deployments. What you bring: Required attributes: Excellent teamwork, collaboration and communication skills; whilst retaining the ability to operate independently when required. A strong aptitude for learning technical concepts on the job. A demonstrated knowledge of IT, networking, electronics, and/or RF technologies. Creative problem‑solving ability demonstrated through work, study or hobby projects. Curious about emerging technologies and their potential impact on NZ. High integrity and a willingness to obtain and retain a Top‑Secret (TSS) security clearance. Preferred experience (one or more of the following): A trade qualification or working background in electrical, electronic, fabrication or mechanical engineering. A current Electrician practising licence issued by the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board. Recent graduates – candidates who have completed a tertiary qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related discipline and can demonstrate relevant project work. Experience in the design, build and maintenance of bespoke computer networks, hardware platforms and software development. Hands‑on experience designing, prototyping or repairing electronic or mechanical systems. Experience with field‑deployable equipment, instrumentation or sensor platforms. Embedded‑systems design – including hardware selection, firmware development and integration. Industrial‑controls expertise – design, configuration and programming of automation hardware and software. Key points in our selection process: If shortlisted and progressed through the recruitment process, you may be invited to complete the following activities: Cognitive and psychometric testing Assessment Centre An interview The successful candidate will be required to commit to and successfully complete a six‑week pass/fail training course in Wellington in July 2027 and upon successful completion will become employed as a permanent Technical Operative. Level 1 Technical Operatives begin with a salary in the range of $73,684 - $78,596, but will progress based on training and achievement. This is a multi‑level position allowing for career progression in the future. Additional requirements The ability to work unsociable hours and travel on short notice; a supportive home environment is essential. Successful completion of operational training currently scheduled for July 2027 is mandatory for continued employment. Benefits of working for us Alongside getting to work with other talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include: Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave Childcare allowance for your preschoolers Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community Before you apply Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment. You must: Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years OR Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks. The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career. Salary Band G $87,048 (90%) - $111,228 (115%) , Band H $103,009 (90%) - $131,622 (115%) , Band I $120,358 (90%) - $153,791 (115%) Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role #J-18808-Ljbffr