Specialist Instrumentation and Controls Technician - Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in New Zealand seeks a Specialist Instrumentation and Control Technician to support undergraduate teaching and research. Responsibilities include managing complex control systems and providing technical support in labs. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in instrumentation and expertise in LabVIEW programming. Attractive benefits and a commitment to accessibility make this a rewarding opportunity.

Benefits

Generous annual leave provisions

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years of practical experience in instrumentation and hydraulic control systems.
• Broad understanding of electronic and programming principles.
• Competence in lab environments and student training.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support in laboratories and workshops.
• Manage complex control and measurement systems.
• Ensure experimental equipment runs safely and effectively.

Skills

Instrumentation installation

LabVIEW programming

Fault-finding

Calibration

Health & Safety procedures

Job description

Specialist Instrumentation and Controls Technician - Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
• Generous annual leave provisions and professional development opportunities

Au Mahi | What You Will DoWe have an opportunity for a Specialist Instrumentation and Control Technician to provide expert technical support within our laboratories and workshops. This role plays a key role in supporting undergraduate teaching, student projects, and world-class academic research. You will apply your expertise in trouble-shooting, fault-finding, and program modification to manage complex control and measurement systems. A major focus will be on LabVIEW programming, instrumentation setup, calibration, and ensuring experimental equipment runs safely and effectively. You will also provide specialist support for laboratory computers and software, troubleshooting issues and commissioning new systems.

This is a hands-on, varied role where no two days are the same - from working directly with students in class, to collaborating with academics on complex research experiments.

Mōu | Who You AreThe successful candidate will bring:

• substantial practical experience (8+ years) in instrumentation installation, calibration, and hydraulic control systems
• a broad understanding of electronic and programming principles, with proven experience using electronic test equipment.
• strong expertise in LabVIEW programming, testing, and data acquisition software.
• familiarity with technical experimental design and engineering research environments.
• competence with computing in large, networked environments, including Windows 10/11 and MS Office applications.
• knowledge of Health & Safety procedures, with a proven ability to train and support students and colleagues in safe and effective laboratory practice.
• demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi - knowledge of its principles and practical application in a university or workplace context.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work WithTe Tari Pūhanga Metarahi me te Taiao | Civil and Environmental Engineering Department is globally recognised for excellence in research, innovation, and teaching. We deliver qualifications that open doors to international opportunities and career success. Our strong industry partnerships, world-class facilities, and highly skilled staff ensure students receive outstanding training and research expertise.

Discover more about our department and take a virtual tour of our Engineering facilities on our website.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the 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.

The closing date for this position is: 19 October 2025 (midnight, NZ time) Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You ApplyApplications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [e-mail]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Reference # 28715

Posted on 25 Sep 2025

Closes on 19 Oct 2025 23:55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Engineering, Research & Development, Science & Technology, Technician