Internship - Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, Computer Engineering - Scion

Sciene New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Bioeconomy Science Institute is offering a Summer Student Intern position in Rotorua to support the Additive Manufacturing & Emerging Technologies team. The role focuses on developing smart packaging sensor systems, data analysis, and reporting in a world-class research setting.

You will gain hands-on experience applying engineering skills to real-world packaging challenges, learning from experienced researchers and contributing to digital packaging technologies and product quality monitoring.

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in engineering, mechatronics, electronics, computer engineering, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, assembly, configuration, and evaluation of smart packaging sensor systems.
• Conduct a literature review and assist with planning prototype development and testing activities.
• Analyse experimental data and provide insights for digital packaging technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and project communications.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Coding

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

AI tools

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

AI-assisted productivity tools

Job description

Vacancy Number: 61293

Fixed Term:12 Weeks

Hours: 40

Summer Student Intern – Smart Packaging Technologies

Grow your research skills in a world-class science environment

Join the Additive Manufacturing & Emerging Technologies team and contribute to the development of innovative smart packaging solutions. This internship offers the opportunity to work with sensor-based technologies designed to improve product quality monitoring and supply chain integrity. You'll gain hands‑on experience applying engineering and technology skills to real‑world packaging challenges while working alongside experienced researchers.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

• Support the design, assembly, configuration, and evaluation of smart packaging sensor systems.
• Conduct a review of the literature and assist with planning prototype development and testing activities.
• Analyse experimental data and contribute insights to support the development of innovative digital packaging technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project communications to share research findings.
• Learn from experienced researchers in a collaborative scientific environment.

To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:

• Currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in engineering, mechatronics, electronics, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
• An interest in sensor technologies, electronics, digital systems, and applied research.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and contribute to innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills. Experience with coding, electronics, data analysis, Microsoft Office, or AI‑assisted productivity tools would be advantageous.

This internship provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of smart and connected packaging technologies. You'll gain experience working across sensor development, electronics integration, data analysis, and applied research while building valuable technical skills and industry knowledge in a professional scientific environment.

• Exposure to a professional research environment.
• Practical experience with smart packaging technologies, sensor integration, electronics, and data analysis.
• Mentoring and support from experienced scientists.
• Opportunities to strengthen your scientific communication and data analysis skills.
• Valuable experience to support future study and career opportunities in science.

We've built something new. AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion have come together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. We are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.

Together, our world-class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.

Ready to Apply? | Kua rite koe ki te tono?

If you're enthusiastic about science and keen to apply your studies in a research setting, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn, and join us for an exciting summer research experience.