Job Description

Have you got a tertiary qualification and/or industry experience relevant to the role?
Do you have experience in mechanical and electrical prototyping, instrumentation or manufacturing process design?
Are you comfortable working in a dynamic research environment, within a team comprising a broad mix of disciplines and expertise?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute are currently recruiting for a Kaitātari - Technician / Research Engineer on a permanent, full-time contract.

The Paihau - Robinson Research Institute has an international reputation for superconducting engineering, materials physics and manufacturing engineering. We offer a unique opportunity for a high-achieving Technician / Research Engineer to work alongside some of NZ’s top research scientists and engineers and contribute to a range of cutting-edge research projects that involve the development of new concepts in materials and manufacturing - from discovery science through to commercial implementation.

We are seeking an experienced Kaitātari - Technician / Research Engineer to join our team and support the development of innovative mineral characterisation methods, beneficiation processes, and reactor operations.

The role focuses on critical minerals sourced from New Zealand ores, tailings, and recycled feedstocks.

Experience of working in some, or all, of the following areas would be advantageous:

Familiarity with laboratory techniques for minerals beneficiation tests (e.g. magnetic, flotation, electrostatic, density etc.).
Electrical and instrumentation systems.
High temperature work (furnaces, elements).
Process control experience.
Analysis, QC and data acquisition.
Maintenance and light duty fabrication.
Method development.
Mentoring and support for students and laboratory trainees.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be enthusiastic about working in a close-knit team focussed on investigating new economic growth opportunities for New Zealand and comfortable working in a dynamic research environment, within a team comprising a broad mix of disciplines and expertise.

You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification and/or relevant industry experience relevant to the position.

Key requirements:

BEng (Hons), MEng, MSc.
Strong background in engineering.
Experience in mechanical design using solid works.
Experience in mechanical and electrical prototyping, instrumentation or manufacturing process design.
Experience in Industry or research environments.
Excellent oral written communication skills.
Practical implementation skills.
Strong team player able to work closely with collaborators from multiple partner organisations.

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: 25 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Jeannie Redman (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.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Are you ready to push the boundaries of science and technology? Join Paihau - Robinson Research Institute! We’re pioneering high-temperature superconductivity and advanced technologies to revolutionise industries worldwide. Collaborate with top scientists and engineers in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Be part of groundbreaking research and make a real impact. Ready to shape the future? Apply now and embark on an exciting journey with us!

Research Engineer jobs

Kaitātari | Technician/ Research Engineer