Research Engineer

New Zealand Government; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Canterbury is inviting applications for a Research Engineer to join the Computer Science and Software Engineering team in Christchurch. The role focuses on autonomous robotics, AI navigation, and software engineering for ground-, aerial-, and underwater platforms.

You will develop cutting-edge algorithms, integrate open-source autopilot software, and document code and procedures. Collaboration with university partners and mentorship by Professor Richard Green are integral to

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a research project, autonomously using tools on robot platforms (ground-based, aerial, underwater).
• Research, implement, and evaluate AI approaches for autonomous navigation and tool use.
• Bridge academic research and rigorous software engineering.
• Develop algorithms for robotic manipulators, navigation, computer vision, control, and sensor fusion.
• Identify limitations in autonomous frameworks and design software strategies to overcome them.
• Write, maintain, and document program code to meet system designs and technical specifications for ground-based, aerial, and underwater platforms.
• Integrate, extend, and customize open-source autopilot platforms (ArduPilot, PX4).
• Test, debug, diagnose, and correct errors in code and in high-fidelity simulation environments (Unreal Engine, SITL/HITL).
• Write, update, and maintain technical program and end-user documentation; provide guidance in software design strategies.
• Collaborate with Professor Richard Green and UC team; coordinate with Auckland University.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Software development

Technical documentation

AI navigation

Publications

Public speaking

Communication

Independent work

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Job description

Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | Computer Science and Software Engineering Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

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

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā! He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Research Engineer Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei. Āu Mahi

What You Will Do

Computer Science and Software Engineering have 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 involve writing, 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.

Who You Are

• 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.

Who You Will Work With

For information about our School and team, please visit us here - Computer Science and Software Engineering department | UC Ngā Painga o UC |

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

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.

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

We offer a range of benefits, for information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

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.

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: [e-mail] to discuss the opportunities associated with this position. For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.