Inspect, maintain and repair aircraft mechanical systems — engines, airframes, and hydraulics.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) 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.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) keep New Zealand's aviation fleet safe and airworthy by inspecting, maintaining, and certifying engines, airframes, hydraulic systems, flight controls, and landing gear. Air New Zealand Engineering Services (ANZES) is one of the largest MRO operations in the Southern Hemisphere, conducting line and heavy maintenance on its own A320, A321, B787, and ATR72 fleets as well as third-party carriers. Independent MRO providers service NZ's regional carriers, helicopter operators, agricultural aviation, and private aircraft market. Added to the NZ Green List Tier 1 in April 2024, AME Mechanical (ANZSCO 323112) is one of the few trade-level occupations qualifying for Straight to Residence — a significant achievement reflecting NZ's acute shortage of licensed AMEs. Qualifying engineers with a job offer from an accredited employer can apply for NZ residence directly, without a two-year work period.
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. AME Mechanical (ANZSCO 323112) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence, added April 2024. This makes it one of the few trade-level occupations (Skill Level 3) qualifying for direct NZ residence — a strong pathway for licensed mechanical AMEs.
NZ CAA has conversion pathways for EASA Part 66 (EU/UK), CASA (Australia), FAA A&P (US), and military licences. The extent of required NZ exams depends on your licence category, aircraft type endorsements, and experience breadth. A formal CAA NZ assessment is the definitive way to determine your conversion requirements before you start a job search.
No — you cannot issue maintenance release certificates in NZ without a NZ CAA Part 66 licence. However, you can perform maintenance tasks under the supervision of a NZ-licensed certifying engineer while your conversion is processed. Air New Zealand Engineering Services and larger MRO operators are well-practised at accommodating overseas AMEs during the licensing transition period.
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