Senior Scientist/Engineer

• Do you have a post graduate degree (MEng or PhD) in Engineering, or extensive post-graduate engineering experience or a post graduate Science degree (typically a PhD)?
• Have you got 10 years post PhD experience in the space or aeronautics industry or research environment?
• Are you looking for a permanent, full-time role?

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer or Principal Scientist/Engineer to work on developing advanced technologies for space applications as part of the Paihau- Robinson Research Institute space team. 

Our programme currently focuses on the applications of superconductors for space applications, especially the development of Applied-Field (AF)-Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters and re-entry heat shields. We are also developing a remote sensing capability, starting with the integration of advanced non-linear optical microwave sensors.  We are open to expanding to new research areas based on the experience the successful applicant will bring to the team. 

About you

Successful applicants will have:

• A post graduate degree (MEng or PhD) in Engineering or Science, or extensive post-graduate engineering experience.
• Ideally 10 years of experience in the space or aeronautics industry or research environment.
• Demonstrated history of writing successful research proposals.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring staff.
• Excellent technical skills including one or more of: 
  • Design, test, and qualification of space-flight hardware
  • Electric propulsion
  • Remote sensing
  • Thermal, structural, electromagnetic, and/or computation fluid dynamics simulations
  • Instrumentation and metrology
  • Scientific programming and data analysis
  • Cryogenic systems
  • Vacuum systems 

More senior applicants are encouraged to apply as the seniority of the role may be increased depending on the experience and background of the successful candidate.

Excellent technical skills including one or more of: 

• Experience in mechanical design using Solidworks. 
• Experience in mechanical and electrical prototyping, instrumentation or manufacturing process design. 
• Engineering for cryogenic environments. 
• Scientific programming and control using MatLab. 
• Ability to manage complex engineering projects.  

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 07 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Jeannie Redman (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our career's page and not via email. When applying for this position, candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Why you should join our team

Paihau - Robinson Research Institute has an international reputation for superconducting engineering, materials physics, and manufacturing engineering. We offer a unique opportunity for a high-achieving engineer to work alongside some of NZ’s top research scientists and engineers and contribute to a range of cutting-edge research projects that involve the development of new concepts in materials and manufacturing - from discovery science through to commercial implementation. 

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