Intermediate to Senior Level Mechanical Engineer (Design/Projects)

Caliber Design Ltd; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Generous Overtime

Learning & Development

Health & Wellbeing

Supportive Culture

Job summary

Caliber Design Ltd, a Christchurch-based engineering consultancy, is seeking Mechanical Engineers to join a national team of 65+ engineers. You will be embedded within client teams, delivering expert engineering support across aerospace, food processing, medical, marine and manufacturing sectors.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, 5+ years in machine design, and proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor with strong FEA skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 5+ years’ experience in machine design.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor (ideally both).
• Strong FEA and engineering analysis skills.
• Clear written and spoken English; ability to build client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Embedded within client teams on projects, providing expert engineering support.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Contribute from concept through to detailed design, prototype, testing, installation and refinement.

Skills

FEA / engineering analysis

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN CHRISTCHURCH - WE NEED YOU!

We are busier than ever - our clients who are designing and manufacturing in NZ are flat out and calling on us to help resource their projects!

About Caliber

Caliber Design is an engineering consultancy with a unique business model - our engineers are embedded within client teams, providing hands‑on support across high-impact projects and industries. We have built long‑standing relationships with over 300 clients. 90% of our work comes from repeat business, because we consistently deliver results.

From accelerating product development to driving complex capital projects, our engineers lead from the front. You will be part of a national team of 65+ engineers working across sectors like aerospace, food processing, medical, marine, and manufacturing - on projects that matter. We share knowledge, support each other, and continually raise the bar for engineering excellence.

Check out our video for an insight into what it's like to work at Caliber: Working at Caliber Design

The Opportunity

As a Mechanical Engineer at Caliber, you will work on projects typically lasting 3-6 months, giving you exposure to a wide range of industries and challenges. You will be embedded within in our client's team, for the duration of each project - providing expert advice and engineering support to help ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Strong communication, time management, and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments will be key to your success. Alongside your client work, you will stay connected to the Caliber community through regular team activities, monthly catchups, and support from your wider engineering network.

We value engineers who can work from concept through to detailed design, prototype development, testing, installation, and refinement, while applying sound engineering judgement, relevant standards, and a clear understanding of how machines perform in real operating environments.

Who Thrives Here?

This role suits engineers who:

• Have a minimum of a bachelor's level qualification in Mechanical Engineering


• Have 5+ years’ industry experience in machine design


• Are proficient in SolidWorks or Inventor (ideally both)


• Are confident with FEA and engineering analysis (or keen to grow quickly in this area)


• Communicate clearly in written & spoken English and build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders


• Enjoy variety – moving between different industries, sites, and project types


• Like to stay hands‑on with design, while also engaging in project delivery

Strong Advantage

Experience as a Project Engineer on large industrial sites (e.g. factories, processing plants, heavy industry) – coordinating with stakeholders, contractors, and vendors – while still being comfortable doing detailed design yourself. This blend of design + project engineering is a big plus at Caliber.

Remuneration & Benefits

Our engineers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis.

• Competitive hourly rate, plus overtime and KiwiSaver


• Typical earnings in the range of $100K–$130K per annum equivalent (including overtime), depending on experience.

You’ll also have access to:

• Generous Overtime – Time and a half for every hour worked over 40 each week


• Learning & Development – A structured L&D program tailored to experienced engineers, focused on real-world skills, curiosity, and growth


• Supportive Culture – Down-to-earth people, regular social and technical catchups, and a national network of engineers who have “been there, done that”


• Health & Wellbeing – Medical, life, and total & permanent disability insurance after 6 months, plus an employee assistance program


• Flexible Working – Hybrid and flexible arrangements where project and client needs allow

Best of all you will working for a caring, down-to-earth organisation and have the ability to work on a diverse range of projects.