Structural Engineering Technician

UC Civil and Environmental Engineering; 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

Supportive working environment

Retail discounts across shopping,娱乐旅行

Job summary

UC Civil and Environmental Engineering in Ōtautahi | Christchurch invites applications for a trades technician to provide technical and operational support across the Structural Engineering Laboratories. You will work with academic staff and postgraduate students to design, manufacture and test research equipment, test rigs, models, frames and laboratory specimens.

The role requires substantial hands-on trade experience (minimum 5 years), strong engineering concepts, and experience with workshop

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant trade experience in complex environments.
• 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.
• Certification in 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational support across the Structural Engineering Laboratories.
• Operate and calibrate specialist testing equipment and workshop machinery.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, purchasing, research budgets, project planning and budgeting.
• Liaise with teams across the University to support laboratory operation and safety.
• Support teaching activities and external clients.

Skills

Workshop machinery operation

Data logging and control software

Hydraulics/servo-hydraulic systems

Health and safety commitment

Problem solving

Education

Advanced Trade Certificate

NZDE (Mech) or Bachelor’s Degree (NZQA Level 7)

Tools

Lathes

Drills

Milling machines

Welders

Forklifts (certified)

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

Please note, this is an onsite position.