Mechanical/Electrical Fitter(Mechanical Engineer) Waltham

KiwiRail Freight; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted travel on Scenic trains and

Interislander

Discounted Southern Cross health cover

NZ Rail Staff Welfare benefits

PPE and training provided

Job summary

KiwiRail in Christchurch seeks a Mechanical/Electrical Fitter for the Waltham depot. The role is permanent and full-time, based at Waltham, with an 80-hour fortnight roster across a 24/7 schedule. Starting hourly rate ranges from $38.26 to $44.38 depending on qualifications and experience.

You’ll maintain and repair the passenger fleet to ensure safety and reliability. The successful candidate will have NZQA Level 4–5 in mechanical fitting, a full Class 1 licence, strong safety focus, and good

Qualifications

• Experience in heavy industry or automotive/mechanical engineering.
• Ability to maintain safety and quality standards.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scheduled maintenance and mechanical repairs
• Identify and diagnose faults, and work collaboratively to resolve them
• Perform safety checks and assist operators with equipment
• Maintain clear service records and follow all safety procedures
• Support yard operations, including operation of rail vehicles

Skills

Heavy industry experience

Safety focus

Problem solving

Good communication

Full Class 1 Driver Licence

Education

NZQA Level 4–5 trade certificate in mechanical fitting or related field

Full Class 1 Driver Licence

Tools

Gantry crane unit standards (US 30072, 3800)

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Title: Mechanical/Electrical Fitter(Mechanical Engineer) Waltham

• Position based at Waltham, Christchurch
• Starting hourly rate between $38.26 - $44.38 (Based on Qualifications & Experience)

Based at our Waltham Depot in Christchurch, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and repairing KiwiRail’s passenger fleet. Ensuring our trains are safe, reliable, and ready to roll.

Whether you’re completing routine maintenance or responding to an urgent repair, your work will help keep passenger services moving across Aotearoa.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct scheduled maintenance and mechanical repairs
• Identify and diagnose faults, and work collaboratively to resolve them
• Perform safety checks and assist operators with equipment
• Maintain clear service records and follow all safety procedures
• Support yard operations, including operation of rail vehicles

This is a permanent, full-time role on a 24/7 rotating roster (including penal rates).

Starting hourly rate: $38.26 - $44.38, depending on your qualifications and experience.

We’re after someone mechanically minded and committed to safety.

You will bring:

• Experience in heavy industry or automotive/mechanical engineering
• NZQA Level 4–5 trade certificate in mechanical fitting or a related field
• A strong focus on safety, problem solving, and continuous improvement
• Good communication
• A Full Class 1 Driver Licence
• Relevant trade qualifications or certifications relating to the industry

It’s a bonus if you also have:

• F endorsement on your driver licence
• Gantry crane unit standards (US 30072 and 3800)

Nōuterourou|What’sin it for you:

At KiwiRail, you gain more than a job you build a career.

• Permanent full-time role based in Waltham, Christchurch (80-hour fortnight roster, Monday to Sunday)
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Supportive team environment
• Discounted travel on Scenic trains and Interislander
• Discounted Southern Cross health insurance
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare benefits
• All PPE and training provided

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to bring your mechanical skills to a team that keeps New Zealand connected, we’d love to hear from you.

Rāaukati| Applications close:2 October 2026 (Unless filled sooner)

Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship

KiwiRail is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can feel valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences because together we are stronger.