Structural Engineering Technician

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.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications 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 [email protected]

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

Please note, this is an onsite position.