Graduate Mechanical Engineer - Water (Feb 2028)

Collaw; Christchurch; Remote; NZD 67,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Graduate development programme

Competitive salary NZD74,000 base

Medical insurance

Global network

Professional mentoring

Flexible hours

Job summary

Stantec’s 2027-2028 Graduate Programme offers recent graduates a pathway into water engineering, with mentoring, accreditation support, and exposure to local and international projects.

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer - Water in Christchurch, you’ll contribute to drinking water and wastewater projects, work with multidisciplinary teams, and grow through a structured development plan including flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (hon) or similar.
• Motivated, pragmatic, and eager to learn across various disciplines.
• Strong interest in water engineering.
• Demonstrated personal leadership qualities and thrive in challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Design infrastructure to support safe drinking water and sanitation projects.
• Assist in preparing mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to coordinate projects.
• Support field installation activities as required.
• Gain exposure to project and programme management.

Skills

Recent graduate

Motivated

Eager to learn

Water engineering

Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (hon)

Job description

Graduate Mechanical Engineer - Water

Are you a new graduate (or soon to graduate in 2027) with a Mechanical Engineering qualification or related field? Do you aspire to develop and grow in a collaborative and supportive environment, then join Stantec’s 2027-2028 Graduate Programme and kickstart your career with us!

Fantastic perks

• Engineering NZ Accredited : 2-year graduate development programme.
• Competitive Salary: NZD74,000 base salary plus benefits such as spot bonuses, banking discounts, and an extra day's leave.
• Insurance: Receive a range of insurances including health cover through Southern Cross Medical Insurance
• Global Network: Connect with our international Developing Professionals Group for training and networking across New Zealand and Australia.
• Professional Support: Get mentored for your Engineering New Zealand Accreditation and personal career development.
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy flexible working hours and excellent employee benefits.

What you’ll do?

Our Mechanical Engineers form part of our wider Water group providing safe drinking water and sanitation for both local and international communities. You also have the opportunity to support other sectors within the Stantec business including Hydropower, Energy and Buildings.

You will design infrastructure to keep our community services like fresh water bore pumps, wastewater pump stations and pipelines, water and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) operational and running for decades into the future. You will have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts on iconic projects both in Christchurch and around the country helping a diverse range of clients including local government, tertiary institutions, private developers, and even international clients throughout the Pacific islands.

We seek to reduce our client’s carbon footprints through innovative design solutions like “poop to power” (THP) harnessing the methane gasses produced at WWTP to power the plant facilities.

Some day to day tasks include:

• Use knowledge of general concepts of mechanical engineering elements through investigation and analysis to support engineering projects.
• Perform basic calculations to analyse and design mechanical system components.
• Assist the team in preparing mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, presentations and reports.
• Assist in basic interpretation and verify compliance with applicable codes and engineering standards and practices.
• Work with other engineering disciplines and professionals to assist with the coordination of projects.
• Assist the team with submittal reviews, responses to requests for information and contract document clarifications during the construction phase.
• Perform field work related to installation related activities as required.

Your Role

• Work over the entire project lifecycle, from optioneering/concept through to preliminary design, detailed design and onto construction monitoring activities.
• Gain exposure to project and programme management and client management.
• Join with a large, nurturing, and diverse team that takes great pride in working on local, national and international infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with and learn from in-house national and international industry experts

What You Bring

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (hon) or similar
• Motivated, pragmatic, and eager to learn across various disciplines
• Strong interest in water engineering
• Demonstrated personal leadership qualities and thrive in challenging environments

Eligibility

• Be a recent graduate or due to finish studies by December 2027
• Preferably have a full clean current driving licence
• Working Rights: Student Visa, Permanent Resident, Citizen

Application Advice and Tips

• Applications close 12th April 2027

About Stantec

Stantec’s Water team in New Zealand has an impressive portfolio of successful projects that benefit communities nationwide and beyond, with significant contributions to international work. Our water focus covers the management of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater as a collective resource. Dams and hydropower are a key focus, driving resilience and renewable energy solutions. Tackling our water challenges is crucial, and our diverse local network includes over 360 water specialists dedicated to innovation.

We’ve been serving our clients and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for over 125 years. With almost 900 professionals, our team is based in the main cities and throughout the regions. We collaborate across disciplines and sectors to bring buildings, energy, water, environmental, and transport projects to life.

Globally, Stantec unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

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