We are looking for an Operational and Technical Support Technician to join our Training Services team in Waiouru, New Zealand.
At Saab, we constantly look ahead and push the boundaries of what is technically possible. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge – to make the world a safer place.
What you will be a part of
Our Training and Simulation Business Unit develops and manufactures training systems, primarily for military users. Our products are wide-ranging and include the provision of world-leading laser-based simulators for live instrumented training, force on target applications, virtual simulation capabilities and training services. Training & Simulation operates globally with more than 1200 employees in twelve different countries, and we are now expanding our footprint with new training facilities in New Zealand (NZ).
Your future challenge
Since Saab was started, we have strived to keep people and society safe. It is a basic human need to feel safe and, as we see it, a human right. Through systems and solutions that increase security, we can make this possible. By improving and updating technological systems and solutions, we increase security in society, for its citizens and for those whose job it is to maintain security.
In the role of Operational and Technical Support Technician, you will use your knowledge, expertise and technical know-how to contribute to the training of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), supporting them to improve their essential skills.
Saab’s Training and Simulation Business Unit is imminently expected to be awarded a contract with NZDF to deliver operational and technical support services for Saab-delivered force-on-target systems across the spectrum of NZDF onshore Training Estates. It will also encompass technical repairs on in service Live Instrumentation systems.
Your role
In this role, you will be based at our training support facility in Waiouru. You will receive full training to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all matters related to the management, repair, maintenance, and operation of NZDF’s Saab-delivered force-on-target systems, as well as the repair of the laser-based simulation systems. These capabilities are vital in providing live-fire, force-on-force simulation, and training service support to the NZDF. As such you will be a key team member to the training support set-up in Waiouru, and other NZDF locations as required.
You will report directly to the Support Manager who will be based at Linton Military Camp, and who will have overall responsibility for the delivery of Saab’s training services across the NZDF training estate. You will have a pivotal role in ensuring all equipment that forms a part of NZDF’s Saab-delivered targetry and live training and simulation equipment portfolio, meets the operational availability requirements of the contract.
As an Operational and Technical Support Technician for Saab’s NZ operations you will play a key role in ensuring that Saab’s interests, and those of the NZDF, are met and maintained to the highest possible standard.
You will provide support services that contribute to the planning of NZDF training whilst ensuring the required equipment is maintained, serviced, configured, prepared and deployed according to NZDF’s needs. You are also required to deliver first-class operational and technical support in the delivery of range and live-fire activities with the end state of delivering an optimized training experience to the end user. You must be open, loyal and honest, trust your co-workers and honor agreements, decisions and processes.
The role is commensurate to a high-quality experienced operations, logistics or warehouse manager with a strong equipment management background, electrical and mechanical repair experience, an analytic approach and the capacity to find practical and pragmatic solutions quickly under pressure.
Your main responsibilities will include
Planning and preparation of equipment prior to military exercises.
System configuration.
Issue and receipt of equipment.
Operate all Saab-delivered range equipment in order to deliver high-quality live-fire training to the NZDF.
Corrective and Preventative Maintenance including electrical and mechanical repairs, (workshop and field).
Maintain a close (daily) cooperation with the Support Manager and Saab’s Factory Support organisation in order to ensure that repairs are communicated, tracked and followed up in a timely manner, in support of operational availability deliverables.
Troubleshooting, fault-finding, maintenance and repair of all Saab-delivered targetry systems, sub-systems and components, delivering rapid solutions.
Provide on-demand equipment operation and maintenance training to NZDF and other stakeholders.
Be prepared to deploy as required to provide operational and technical support to NZDF activities across New Zealand.
Attend pre-exercise planning meetings and recces advising on all aspects of equipment functionality.
Support Saab marketing activities as required.
Skills and experience
Good understanding of Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) and how to implement it to achieve operational excellence.
Strong technical competence, especially in electrical and mechanical repairs, ESD, soldering and cable repair.
A strong drive and focus on delivery excellence.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Full Class 1 NZ drivers license required. Class 2/4 (heavy trade) license would be advantageous.
Fluency in English and the right to live and work in NZ.
Experience of working in a military training environment is an advantage.
Readiness to travel nationally without restriction. Occasional international travel is part of the role.
This position requires the successful applicant to be able to be granted access to NZDF military establishments and therefore requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations regarding security protection. For positions requiring security clearance, additional obligations on citizenship may apply.
For further information, feel free to contact the Recruiting Manager, Kevin Shearman kevin.shearman@saabgroup.com or the Human Resources Manager, Mikael Siebers mikael.siebers@saabgroup.com
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday 1st May 2026 and candidates should be available for an in-person interview in Palmerston North during the week of 11th – 15th May 2026.
Do you want to get to know our business and our people a little bit better? Here you can find some stories told by our employees.
Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.
We look forward to your application!
If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a learning culture, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal – to keep people and society safe.