Fitter & Turner Engineer

Direction Recruitment; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A New Zealand shipbuilding company is seeking a qualified Turner & Fitter Engineer for a full-time role. Responsibilities include performing maintenance on vessel components and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate will have a relevant trade qualification and experience in operating lathes and mills. This position offers competitive pay, career development, and a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Overtime incentives

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Marine experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform general engineering/fitting maintenance on vessel components.
• Repair and machine new replacement parts.
• Maintain machinery and pump systems.

Skills

Operating lathes and mills

Running pipework

Using drilling machines and power hand tools

Identifying and replacing bearing materials

Health and safety practices

Education

Relevant trade qualification (Turner & Fitter, Engineering)

Tools

Forklift

Elevated Work Platform (EWP)

Job description

Overview

Our client is one of New Zealand’s most experienced shipbuilding, survey, refit, and repair specialists, servicing a wide variety of vessels, including tugs, barges, ferries, superyachts, and other commercial craft. They also handle heavy fabrication projects for the marine and other industries. We are now seeking a qualified and experienced Turner & Fitter Engineer to join their established team.

Responsibilities

• Perform general engineering/fitting maintenance on vessel components such as shafts, rudders, seals, valves, pumps, pipework, and more
• Repair and machine new replacement parts for various systems
• Maintain machinery, pump systems, slipway components, and related services
• Rig and dog crane lifts as required
• Collaborate effectively with multiple departments and third parties
• Adhere to on-site health and safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• A relevant trade qualification (Turner & Fitter, Engineering, or similar)
• Experience in operating lathes and mills
• Solid knowledge of running pipework
• Confidence in using drilling machines and power hand tools
• Ability to identify and replace various bearing materials (plastics, bronze, etc.)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also mentoring junior staff
• A strong commitment to health and safety practices in the workplace
• Marine experience is desirable but not essential, we are open to candidates with the right skills who are willing to be integrated into the ship repair industry

Additional Preferred Certifications

• Confined Spaces
• Working at Heights
• Rigger/Dogman
• Forklift
• Elevated Work Platform (EWP)

On Offer

• Full-time, permanent position (minimum 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with overtime as required, including weekends
• Competitive hourly rate based on skills and experience, with industry-leading overtime incentives and additional allowances
• Career development opportunities and training
• A supportive, dynamic team environment

If you’re ready to make an impact in the shipbuilding and repair industry, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your career by submitting your CV and cover letter to Paula Kalkhoven at [e-mail] or call 09 430 3777 for a confidential conversation.

Applicants for this position must have legal working rights to work and live in New Zealand.