Senior Scientist/Engineer - Wellington

Kumaravine - Celebrating Māori & Pasifika success; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to develop advanced technologies for space applications at the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute space team.

Based at Gracefield Research Centre, Lower Hutt, NZ, the role focuses on AF-MPD thrusters, re-entry heat shields, and remote sensing capabilities. Senior applicants welcome; visa status may apply.

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.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced technologies for space applications.
• Oversee design, test, and qualification of space-flight hardware.
• Mentor junior researchers and manage project milestones.

Skills

Space propulsion

Remote sensing

Thermal analysis

Structural analysis

Electromagnetics

CFD simulations

Instrumentation

Scientific programming

Cryogenic systems

Education

MEng or PhD in Engineering or Science

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?

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.

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 the following 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.

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] ).

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

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.