61242 Science Engineer - Scion

Science New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recharge

Grow Your Career

Health & Wellbeing

Job summary

Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao in Rotorua, New Zealand is seeking a Science Services Engineer to ensure the infrastructure and equipment underpinning our research environments remain safe, reliable and future-ready. You will translate scientific needs into practical engineering solutions and lead projects across facilities and leadership teams.

We are looking for someone with a strong engineering background, a proactive approach, and a track record in asset management, maintenance

Qualifications

• A recognised trade qualification in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in asset management and maintenance planning is essential.
• Strong project delivery and contractor management skills.
• Excellent communication and proactive problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead lifecycle management of science equipment and infrastructure, including procurement, installation, maintenance, upgrades, and replacement planning.
• Provide specialist engineering expertise to support research programmes and translate requirements into practical solutions.
• Manage and deliver engineering and infrastructure projects from scoping to commissioning, including contractor oversight and quality assurance.
• Drive strategic asset planning and continuous improvement while building relationships with scientists, facilities teams, and external partners.
• Participate in the facilities on-call roster (24/7) to respond to alarms and incidents.

Skills

Engineering expertise

Project management

Asset management

Maintenance planning

Education

Mechanical engineering trade qualification

Tools

CAD

Mechanical systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Science New Zealand – Rotorua, North Island

Science Services Engineer
Bioeconomy Science Institute
Rotorua, New Zealand
Vacancy number: 61242
Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Be Part of Science That Makes a Difference

As our second Science Services Engineer, you'll work alongside science, facilities and leadership teams to ensure the infrastructure, equipment and technical systems that underpin our research environments remain safe, reliable and fit for the future. Your expertise will help translate scientific needs into practical engineering solutions, enabling innovation and supporting organisational success.

We're looking for someone who combines strong engineering capability with a proactive and collaborative approach. You'll provide specialist advice, lead projects, manage critical assets and build trusted relationships across the organisation and with external partners. If you enjoy solving complex challenges, driving continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact through engineering excellence, this role is for you.

At BSI, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as;

• Recharge

• Generous additional annual leave and paid parental leave.

• Grow Your Career
• Health & Wellbeing
  Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings, comprehensive wellbeing and health benefits with enhanced sick leave.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

In this role, you will:

• Lead the lifecycle management of science equipment and infrastructure, including procurement, installation, maintenance, upgrades, and replacement planning.
• Provide specialist engineering expertise to support research programmes, translating scientific requirements into practical and innovative technical solutions.
• Manage and deliver engineering and infrastructure projects, from scoping and design through to commissioning, contractor management, and quality assurance.
• Drive strategic asset planning and continuous improvement initiatives while building strong relationships with scientists, facilities teams, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Actively participate in the facilities rostered on call response programme, requiring 7 days at one time (rostered) responding 24/7 to alarms from the building management system.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A recognised trade qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline, together with experience in an engineering environment (typically 6+ years).
• Demonstrated experience in asset management, maintenance planning, engineering project delivery, and contractor management within a complex operational environment.
• Strong technical capability, including experience with computer-aided design (CAD) systems and mechanical infrastructure maintenance.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach and a focus on delivering practical outcomes.

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao is New Zealand’s newest public research organisation, formed through the merger of AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Scion, and the New Zealand Food Innovation Network. Our purpose is to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes for New Zealand.

We are excited about this new chapter and welcome applicants who want to be part of our journey.

Further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.