Engineering Workshop

Callaghan Innovation; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Callaghan Innovation in Wellington seeks an Engineering Technologist to join the Processing Workshop, supporting R&D activities in Biotechnologies and Glycosynthesis. You will help operate pilot-scale processing, maintain services and equipment, and design bespoke components for research.

You will work with scientists and engineers, bringing a trade qualification, broad workshop experience, and stainless steel welding skills to meet industry standards.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in fabrication or machining.
• Broad workshop experience across welding, fabrication, machining or assembly.
• Proven stainless steel welding skills to meet food and bioprocessing standards.
• Understanding of operating principles of industrial processing equipment, pumps, valves, and motor assemblies.
• Experience or appreciation of sanitary (food) processing environments.
• Self-motivated, organized, safe and tidy workspace.

Responsibilities

• Join the Processing Workshop to support R&D activities in Biotechnologies and Glycosynthesis groups, operating pilot-scale processing operations.
• Maintain and modify services and utilities, processing equipment, and design and construct bespoke components for research.
• Contribute to shaping how the workshop operates, improving productivity and efficiency while developing leadership skills.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate requirements into practical workshop solutions.

Skills

Stainless steel welding

Workshop experience

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Trade qualification in fabrication/light fabrication/machining

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

About the Role

The Engineering Technologist will join the Processing Workshop supporting research and development activities in the Biotechnologies and Glycosynthesis groups. Our research has a strong industrial focus and includes operation of pilot scale industrial processing operations typically used in the food, natural product, and pharmaceutical industries. The functions of the workshop include maintenance and modification of services and utilities, processing equipment, and the design and construction of bespoke components for research.

About You

You are a motivated team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to solve problems and find practical solutions. You are skilled at working directly with scientists and engineers to understand and interpret their requirements.

You will bring

• A recognised trade qualification in fabrication, light fabrication, machining or related disciplines
• Broad workshop experience covering welding, fabrication, machining or assembly, and a willingness to apply yourself across multiple disciplines
• Proven stainless steel welding skills to meet the requirements of food and bioprocessing industry standards
• A general understanding of the operating principles of industrial processing equipment, pumps, valves, steam and water fittings and motor assemblies
• Experience in, or an appreciation of, the requirements of sanitary (food) processing environments
• A self-motivated, organised approach and commitment to a safe, tidy and productive workspace

You will be part of a small close-knit team and will have the opportunity to shape how the workshop operates, helping improve productivity and efficiency while developing your leadership skills. You’ll contribute to strategic priorities, identify new opportunities, and help ensure the workshop continues to meet the evolving needs of our research teams.

If you’re a technically skilled problem solver who enjoys variety, collaboration and thinking outside the square, we’d love to hear from you

About us

Callaghan Innovation has long supported innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand, partnering with ambitious businesses and researchers to help solve complex challenges and bring new ideas to market. Today, our specialist services, including the Biotechnologies Group and Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL), deliver internationally recognised scientific expertise and technical services.

Our scientists, engineers, technicians and support teams continue to help deliver the specialist services that remain with Callaghan Innovation while ensuring a successful transition to their future organisations.

We value inclusivity and diversity at Callaghan Innovation. We like to make our hiring decisions based on a range of criteria, so if you're keen to apply but are not sure if you meet all the requirements or need additional support, please let us know. We also encourage you to advise us of the pronouns you use at any point during the recruitment process.

You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand to be considered for this opportunity.