Senior Scientist/Engineer

Victoria University of Wellington; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria University of Wellington seeks a Senior Scientist/Engineer to develop advanced technologies for space applications at the Gracefield Research Centre in Lower Hutt. The role involves leading a space team focused on AF-MPD thrusters, re-entry heat shields, and non-linear optical microwave sensors, with scope to expand into new areas.

Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree (MEng/PhD) or extensive post-graduate experience, plus a strong track record in research proposals and

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in the space industry or research environment.
• A post graduate degree (MEng or PhD) in Engineering or Science, or extensive post-graduate engineering experience.
• Demonstrated history of writing successful research proposals.
• Demonstrated publication record.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced technologies for space applications as part of the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute space team.
• Lead technical teams and mentor staff to deliver research output.
• Contribute to proposals and grant applications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Proposal writing

Publications

Mentoring

Education

MEng or PhD in Engineering or Science

Tools

Space hardware design

Electric propulsion

Remote sensing

Thermal simulations

Job description

• Do you have a postgraduate degree (MEng or PhD) in Engineering, or extensive postgraduate engineering experience or a post graduate Science degree (typically a PhD)?

• Have you got 10 years post-PhD experience in the space or aeronautics industry or research environment?

• Are you looking for a permanent, full-time role?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington are seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to work on developing advanced technologies for space applications as part of the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute space team.

This role is based at our Gracefield Research Centre in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

Our programme currently focusses on the applications of superconductors for space applications, especially the development of Applied-Field-Magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD)thrusters and re-entry heat shields.

We are also developing a remote sensing capability, starting with the integration of advanced non-linear optical microwave sensors. We are open to expanding to new research areas based on the experience the successful applicant will bring to the team.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Successful applicants must have:

• 10 years of experience in the space industry or research environment.
• A post graduate degree (MEng or PhD) in Engineering or Science, or extensive post-graduate engineering experience.
• Demonstrated history of writing successful research proposals.
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring staff.

Our team has a broad range of research and would benefit from your expertise in one or more of thefollowing technical skills:

• Design, test, and qualification of space-flight hardware.
• Electric propulsion.
• Remote sensing.
• Thermal, structural, electromagnetic, and/or computation fluid dynamics simulations.
• Instrumentation and metrology, including custom electronics and control systems.
• Scientific programming and data analysis.
• Cryogenic systems.
• Vacuum systems.

Note that this position is being advertised for a mid-career candidate. More senior applicants are encouraged to apply, and should they be selected then the position would be modified accordingly.

Close date for vacancy:19 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Jeannie Redman ([e-mail]).

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application.Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.