Research Specialist/Engineer

Have you got demonstrated experience in mechanical design and engineering? Can you work collaboratively in a complex, multidisciplinary research environment? Do you have a tertiary qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline? Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a talented and motivated Research Specialist/Engineer to join the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute on a permanent, full-time basis. Paihau - Robinson Research Institute is New Zealand's leading centre for superconducting technology, advanced materials, and applied engineering research. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your engineering expertise in a world-class research environment. Working alongside leading scientists and engineers, you will contribute to the design, development, manufacture, and testing of innovative technologies spanning advanced manufacturing, superconducting systems, aerospace applications, energy technologies, and other high-impact research programmes. As a Research Specialist/Engineer, you will play a key role in translating research concepts into practical engineering solutions, supporting projects from early-stage development through to prototype delivery and commercial application. Key responsibilities: Support the design, manufacture, integration, and testing of electrical, electromagnetic, and mechanical systems. Contribute to the development of advanced engineering solutions for superconducting and cryogenic technologies. Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, and manufacturing partners. Provide practical engineering input into research equipment, prototypes, and experimental systems. Develop and assemble experimental test rigs and undertake testing and validation activities. Provide technical advice and support across a diverse portfolio of projects. Mentor and provide guidance to staff and students. Contribute to the maintenance and operation of specialised research infrastructure. Ō pūmanawa - About you We're looking for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. You will have: A relevant tertiary qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Demonstrated experience in mechanical design and engineering. Strong CAD capability, preferably SOLIDWORKS. Experience in manufacturing, production engineering, or prototype development. Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles. Experience with engineering analysis and problem-solving. Experience with finite element analysis (FEA). Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ideally you will also have experience in: Cryogenic systems or superconducting technologies. Vacuum systems and associated equipment. CNC machining and manufacturing processes. CAD/CAM software and workflows. Electrical systems integration. Aerospace, energy, or advanced manufacturing applications. Registration with the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board. Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page. Close date for vacancy: 18 September 2026. Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman, Institute Operations Manager (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz). How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

• Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a talented and motivated Research Specialist/Engineer to join the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute on a permanent, full-time basis.
• Paihau - Robinson Research Institute is New Zealand's leading centre for superconducting technology, advanced materials, and applied engineering research.
• Working alongside leading scientists and engineers, you will contribute to the design, development, manufacture, and testing of innovative technologies spanning advanced manufacturing, superconducting systems, aerospace applications, energy technologies, and other high-impact research programmes.
• As a Research Specialist/Engineer, you will play a key role in translating research concepts into practical engineering solutions, supporting projects from early-stage development through to prototype delivery and commercial application.
• Support the design, manufacture, integration, and testing of electrical, electromagnetic, and mechanical systems.
• Contribute to the development of advanced engineering solutions for superconducting and cryogenic technologies.
• Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, and manufacturing partners.
• Provide practical engineering input into research equipment, prototypes, and experimental systems.
• Develop and assemble experimental test rigs and undertake testing and validation activities.
• Provide technical advice and support across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Mentor and provide guidance to staff and students.
• Contribute to the maintenance and operation of specialised research infrastructure.

• We're looking for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical design and engineering.
• Strong CAD capability, preferably SOLIDWORKS.
• Experience in manufacturing, production engineering, or prototype development.
• Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles.
• Experience with engineering analysis and problem-solving.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.