Design, develop and maintain aircraft, aerospace systems, and aviation infrastructure.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This occupation qualifies for direct New Zealand residence. With a job offer from an accredited employer and the right qualifications, you can apply for residence immediately — no need to wait two years.
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineers are critical to New Zealand's aviation sector, which remains one of the most internationally connected per capita in the world. Air New Zealand operates a large fleet including wide-body jets and regional turboprops — all requiring specialist engineering design, systems, and compliance expertise. Beyond the national carrier, NZ's aviation ecosystem includes helicopter operators (commercial, search and rescue, scenic), agricultural aviation, charter operations, defence aviation (RNZAF), and a growing MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sector. Added to the NZ Green List Tier 1 in April 2024, Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineers (ANZSCO 233911) with a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer can now apply for NZ residence directly — no two-year wait required. This is a niche profession in NZ, creating significant leverage for qualified international aerospace engineers seeking to immigrate.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer (ANZSCO 233911) was added to the NZ Green List Tier 1 in April 2024. Qualified engineers with a job offer from an accredited employer can apply for NZ residence directly — no two-year wait.
Air New Zealand is the largest employer, with engineering, fleet technical, and airworthiness roles. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) employs civilian aerospace engineers alongside military personnel. CAA NZ employs safety and design oversight engineers. Helicopter operators (particularly in scenic tourism, agriculture, and SAR) need experienced rotary-wing engineers. Several MRO providers service regional carriers and charter fleets.
Yes. NZ CAA and employers accept aerospace engineering experience from military and defence backgrounds, including EASA, FAA, and CASA-regulated environments. Your specific background will be assessed during the Engineering NZ qualification review and any applicable CAA compliance process.
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Speak with a licensed NZ immigration adviser. We'll review your qualifications, registration requirements, and visa options — no obligation.