Structural Engineering Technician

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Superannuation up to 6.75%

Flexible working arrangements

Access to UC facilities and staff club

Job summary

University of Canterbury seeks an experienced trades professional to provide technical and operational support across the Structural Engineering Laboratories in Ōtautahi - Christchurch. You will design, manufacture and test research equipment, operate workshop machinery and ensure safety and efficiency in all lab activities.

You will work with academic staff, postgraduate students and external clients, bringing strong design knowledge, data logging skills and hands-on experience with hydraulic

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of trade experience in complex environments with technical design knowledge.
• Advanced trade knowledge with strong engineering concepts.
• Hands-on experience operating workshop machinery and testing equipment.
• Experience with data logging, control software, hydraulics, or servo-hydraulic systems.
• Commitment to health and safety, quality workmanship and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational support across Structural Engineering Laboratories.
• Design, manufacture and test research equipment, test rigs, and laboratory specimens.
• Operate and calibrate workshop machinery and testing equipment.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, purchasing, budgets and project planning.
• Ensure laboratory activities are delivered safely, efficiently and within resources.

Skills

Trade experience

Workshop machinery operation

Data logging / control software

Health and safety commitment

Engineering concepts knowledge

Crane / forklift cert desirable

Education

Advanced Trade Certificate / NZDE (Mech) or Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Lathes

Milling machines

Welders

Testing equipment

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

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.

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
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• 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.

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.