This position is no longer open for applications

• Do you have extensive experience in the space or aeronautics industry or research environment?
• Are you able to manage complex engineering projects?
• Do you have demonstrated experience in supervising student research at Honours, Masters and/or PhD level?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer / Senior Mechanical Engineer to work on a number of applied engineering programmes developing robust superconducting technologies for space applications. You will have the ambition to develop your research career within an academic R&D environment and the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms.

The initial work programme is looking at the development of an Applied-Field (AF)-Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster which make use of the low weight and high magnetic fields possible using superconductor coils. Specifically we’ll be investigating whether using superconductors AF-MPD thrusters can effective at different scales, for application from nanosatellites to large satellites. Prototypes will be built, launched and tested within the space environment.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Successful applicants will 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).
• Extensive experience in the space or aeronautics industry or research environment.

• 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. 

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

The 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

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s globally ranked capital city university, focused on engaging with Wellington, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region and connecting with the world. The University values the expertise of its professional staff in supporting and enabling teaching, research and engagement activities. 

Victoria University of Wellington is an EEO employer and actively seeks to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. We care about your privacy and personal information. You can review the University's privacy notice or alternatively find out more about working at the University by clicking here

Role Description

Close Date for Vacancy:    17 July 2022                                  

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman at jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz . But applicants should follow all steps listed below. 

Important - Application Steps and information

Download and complete the University Application Form. 

Click Apply Now Button at the base of the advert, follow the process to enter your contact details and add your CV in the online form. 

For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position then email
Email completed the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz along with any further supporting documents stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.