Structural Engineering Technician

Uc Civil And Environmental Engineering; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave + 5 university‑h;

Professional development opportunities

Permanent position, 37.5 hours/week

Employer contribution to superannution

Flexible working arrangements

On-campus staff discounts

University benefits

Job summary

UC Civil and Environmental Engineering in Christchurch seeks a Structural Engineering Technician to provide technical and operational support for the Structural Engineering Laboratories. You will design, manufacture and test research equipment, test rigs, models and frames, operating calibration equipment and workshop machinery to support research and teaching.

The role requires extensive hands‑on workshop experience, data logging skills, and strong safety discipline, with a preference for

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant trade experience in complex environments with engineering skills.
• Advanced trade knowledge with strong engineering concepts.
• Hands-on experience operating workshop machinery, testing equipment and computer‑controlled systems.
• Experience with data logging, control software, hydraulics or servo‑hydraulic systems.
• Commitment to health and safety, quality workmanship and professional standards.
• Desirable certification in Forklifts, EWP and Overhead Gantry Crane.
• Qualification – Advanced Trade Certificate, NZDE (Mech preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree (NZQA Level 7).
• Alignment with UC values and inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational support across Structural Engineering Laboratories.
• Design, manufacture and test research equipment, test rigs, models, frames and laboratory specimens.
• Operate and calibrate specialist testing equipment and workshop machinery.
• Support laboratory research, teaching activities and external clients.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, purchasing, research budgets, project planning and safety compliance.

Skills

5+ years of trade experience

Engineering concepts

Workshop machinery operation

Data logging / control software

Health & safety

Forklift / EWP / Gantry crane (desir.)

Education

Advanced Trade Certificate / NZDE (Mech) or Bachelors (NZQA L7)

Tools

Forklifts

EWP

Overhead Gantry Crane

Job description

Te Tari Pūhanga Metarahi me te Taiao | Civil and Environmental Engineering Department

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Permanent position, 37.5 hours per week
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Structural Engineering Technician? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

You will provide technical and operational support across the Structural Engineering Laboratories, working with academic staff and postgraduate students to design, manufacture and test research equipment, test rigs, models, frames and laboratory specimens. You will operate and calibrate specialist testing equipment and workshop machinery, including lathes, drills, milling machines and welders, while supporting laboratory research, teaching activities and external clients. Assisting with equipment maintenance, purchasing, research budgets, project planning and ensuring laboratory activities are delivered safely, efficiently and within available resources.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are an experienced trades professional with strong technical skills, a practical problem-solving approach, and an interest in supporting engineering research and teaching. You will be able to demonstrate experience in:

• Substantial (minimum of 5 years) relevant trade experience within complex environments, including experience applying technical design knowledge and skills
• Advanced trade knowledge with a strong understanding of engineering concepts
• Hands‑on experience operating workshop machinery, testing equipment and computer‑controlled systems
• Demonstrated experience with data logging, control software, hydraulics or servo‑hydraulic systems
• Proven commitment to health and safety, quality workmanship and professional standards
• Certified in the use of Forklifts, EWP and Overhead Gantry Crane is desirable
• Qualification – Advanced Trade Certificate, NZDE (Mech preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree (NZQA Level 7) (Mechanical/Structural Engineering preferred) or equivalent
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work closely with the Technical Services Manager, Laboratory Manager, academic staff, postgraduate students, other technicians and external clients. Liaising with teams across the University, including Facilities Management and Security, to support the effective operation of the laboratories.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc . (For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ )

The closing date for this position is: 1 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

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

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.