Junior Design Engineer (Summer Intern)

Tait Communications; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tait Communications invites students to join the SSV team this summer to help develop an automated platform for testing body-worn cameras. You will design, build, and test motorised systems while creating Python tools to analyze images and videos, comparing footage to reference data to derive quality metrics.

Ideal candidates are pursuing CS, SE, EE, Mechatronics, or Robotics, with an interest in automation, computer vision, or hardware development.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• Interest in automation, computer vision, or hardware development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to an automated test platform for body-worn camera testing.
• Develop Python-based automation and image analysis tools.
• Assist in motor control system design and hardware integration.
• Document findings and communicate technical results.

Skills

Python programming

Automation

Image processing

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's student in CS/SE/EE/Mechatronics/Robotics

Tools

Python

OpenCV

Linux

Git

Microcontrollers

Job description

We Go Beyond for A Safer World At Tait Communications, our Summer Internships give students the opportunity to work on real projects, solve genuine engineering challenges, and contribute to products that help keep communities safe and connected.

Te Tūranga - The Role

Join our Systems & Solutions Validation (SSV) team this summer and contribute to an R&D project developing an automated platform for testing and evaluating body-worn camera performance. You will help design and build a motorised test system capable of moving cameras in a controlled, repeatable manner, while developing software tools to analyse captured images and video. By comparing footage against reference data and known test conditions, you will help define meaningful quality metrics that quantify the impact of movement and operating conditions on camera performance. Working across both software and hardware, you will develop Python-based automation, image analysis algorithms, and motor control systems, while contributing to the design, construction, and refinement of the automated test platform. This project provides hands-on experience in automation, computer vision, image quality analysis, mechatronics, and real-world test system development within an R&D environment.

Ō Pūkenga - About You

This opportunity is suited to a student studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related discipline, with an interest in automation, computer vision, image processing, or hardware development. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Programming experience, preferably in Python.
• An interest in automation, robotics, image processing, or data analysis.
• An understanding of basic electronics and hardware integration concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to investigate, document, and communicate technical findings.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to learning and teamwork.
• Experience with Linux, microcontrollers, motor control systems, OpenCV, or related technologies would be an advantage, but most importantly, you're excited to learn and build practical solutions that combine software and hardware.

Ngā painga - What's in it for You?

We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers. We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together. We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high-performance culture. By undertaking a Summer Internship with us, you will be joining a global leader with over 50 years’ experience in critical communications. You will get the chance to learn from experienced engineers, whilst working on projects with real world significance, using cutting edge technology at the forefront of technical innovation. As well as developing your technical skills through on-the-job learning, we'll also support you in developing the necessary soft skills to become a valued team member. If you are passionate about problem solving, able to work autonomously and as part of a team, and can take initiative and communicate effectively, then we want to hear from you! We have a variety of exciting projects for you to choose from, covering a range of engineering, service management and technological functions.

About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering, and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now have a network of customers and offices that spans the globe. Our employees value being part of a creative team committed to providing technological solutions that make a real difference to the communities we support. By joining Tait, you'll be joining a community of people with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, who care deeply about their work and the genuine impact it has for our customers, and who support each other to grow and develop.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tait Communications is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We are encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.