Michelle Murphy
Box Hill
Summary
Detail-oriented and highly disciplined Safety and Surface Technician with 8 years of experience in military aviation environments, specifically with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Expertise includes safety and surface equipment maintenance, aeronautical fabrication, surface preparation, technical finishing, and quality assurance, all while adhering to stringent aviation compliance standards and military technical documentation. Exceptional technical proficiency with specialized equipment have resulted in a strong track record of delivering high-quality craftsmanship on aircraft components and life support systems within controlled environments. Currently holds a Secret security clearance for the New Zealand Defence Force and plans to relocate to Sydney on October 10, 2026, with full work rights.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Safety & Surface Technician
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE (RNZAF)
01.2018 - 10.2026
- Detailed surface maintenance, fabric fabrication, and surface equipment servicing on military aircraft systems and components in accordance with strict military aviation publications.
- Executed surface prep, material handling, stencilling, alignment, and technical finishing for specialized aeronautical fabrics, ensuring quality and precision for operational readiness.
- Managed life-support and safety equipment, bay operations (including personnel parachutes and survival kit fabrication), ensuring 100% compliance with airworthiness regulations and successful safety audits.
- Trained and mentored junior technicians in safe work practices and technical procedures, fostering a culture of safety and competence within the team.
- Trained and mentored junior technicians in safe work practices, equipment use, and technical procedures.
- Senior Corporal/Supervisor and Instructor
Skills
- Aircraft surface preparation & finishing
- Paint application, priming, sealing
- WH&S compliance & risk management
- Military Aviation Safety & WH&S Compliance
- Quality assurance & defect identification
- Technical documentation & SOP adherence
- Hazard control & safe work practices
- Specialized Machinery & Tools:
Laser engravers/cutters (Trotec), Graphic design software (Flexi Complete, Roland Versa Works, Chroma Luxe), and specialized cutting/stencilling equipment
- Aviation safety
- Human Factors
Timeline
Safety & Surface Technician
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE (RNZAF)
01.2018 - 10.2026
Personal Information
- Female
- D.O.B 27/11/1992
- Availability: Relocating to Sydney 10th October 2026 with full work rights.
- Full Work Rights
- Aus phone available from 10th OCT
Additional skills
- Fast learner with strong technical aptitude
- High attention to detail
- Strong safety mindset
- Reliable, disciplined, and consistent
- Comfortable in high-compliance environments
Education and Training
- RNZAF Recruit & Military Aviation Training — Royal New Zealand Air Force (2018)
- Aeronautical engineering fundamentals course (level 3) (2018)
- RNZAF Trade Qualification: Safety & Surface Equipment — Royal New Zealand Air Force (2019)
- Senior technical course (Painter’s course) - Awarded most promising aircraft surface finisher (2021)
- New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) (Level 3) Skills Group Training Limited – 2025
- Diploma in Business Project Management — Open Polytechnic (2025 - 2026)