Research Engineer

University of Canterbury; Christchurch, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Beautiful campus environment

Job summary

The University of Canterbury invites applications for a Research Engineer in Computer Science and Software Engineering. You will autonomously develop AI-driven navigation and tool-use solutions across multiple robotic platforms, bridging research and rigorous software engineering.

Responsibilities include designing algorithms, implementing code, and validating in Unreal Engine and SITL/HITL simulations, while contributing to documentation and collaboration with project partners at Auckland

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science (NZQA Level 10) with research background in AI for navigation and autonomy.
• At least 10 years of relevant industry experience as Software Engineer/Developer Programmer.
• Experience writing, testing, and maintaining complex code (C++, Python, ROS/ROS2).
• Proven ability to document software design and operational procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop cutting-edge algorithms for robotic navigation and tool use across ground, aerial, and underwater platforms.
• Bridge academic research and software engineering through implementation and integration tasks.
• Write, test, debug, and maintain code; document in technical program and end-user docs.
• Integrate and extend open-source autopilot platforms (ArduPilot, PX4) and verify in high-fidelity simulations.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Robotics

Education

PhD in Computer Science (NZQA Level 10)

Tools

Unreal Engine

ArduPilot

PX4

Job description

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week
• Fixed term (1 year) position
• Salary is $80,000 p.a.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Computer Science and Software Engineeringhave an opportunity for a Research Engineer to participate in a research project, autonomously using tools on robot platforms (ground-based, aerial, underwater).

We seek a highly motivated individual with a research background in AI approaches for automating navigation and autonomous tool use on ground-based, aerial and underwater platforms.

In this role you will bridge academic research and rigorous software engineering. You will be responsible for researching, consulting, analysing, and evaluating system program needs to develop cutting-edge algorithms for robotic manipulators, robotic navigation, computer vision, control algorithms, and sensor fusion. You will identify technology limitations and deficiencies in existing autonomous frameworks and design software strategies to overcome them. A significant portion of your daily work will involvewriting, maintaining, and documenting program code to meet system designs and technical specifications for ground-based, aerial, and underwater platforms. This includes integrating, extending, and customizing open-source autopilot platforms (such as ArduPilot and PX4). You will rigorously test, debug, diagnose, and correct errors in your code and within high-fidelity simulation environments (e.g., Unreal Engine, SITL/HITL) to ensure the autonomous applications perform exactly to specification and quality standards. Furthermore, you will be expected to write, update, and maintain technical program and end-user documentation, and provide expertise and guidance in developing software design strategies for the broader research team.

You will applicant will be mentored by Professor Richard Green and located within the Computer Science and Software Engineering. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with project partners at Auckland University.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:

• A PhD in Computer Science (NZQA Level 10) in the field of Computer Vision and at least 10 years relevant industry experience
• Extensive experience as a Software Engineer or Developer Programmer, specifically writing, maintaining, and testing complex program code (e.g., C++, Python, ROS/ROS2)
• A strong track record of writing and maintaining technical program documentation and operational procedures.
• Expertise and experience in using AI approaches for automating navigation and tool use on aerial drones, underwater drones and other platforms
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
• A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• The ability to work creatively and independently.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | Computer Science and Software Engineering is about designing intelligent computer systems that empower people to work more efficiently and solve real-world problems. At UC, the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is internationally recognised for its research excellence and industry-relevant teaching, producing graduates who are highly sought after across the Pacific region and beyond.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 8 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.