Pūkenga Kaipūtaiao/Pūhanga Tāhiko | Senior Scientist/Engineer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Power Electronics Design, Superconducting Machine Controls, Cryogenic Electronics, Embedded Software, High-Voltage Electronics, High-Frequency Electronics, Cryogenic Systems, Instrumentation, Modelling Simulation Tools, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, Project Management

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Do you have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field? Are you experienced with high-voltage or high-frequency power electronics for aerospace or transportation? Can you be self-motivated and work effectively in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers? Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga Kaipūtaiao/Pūhanga Tāhiko - Senior Scientist/Engineer to join Paihau – Robinson Research Institute on a permanent, full-time basis. 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 cutting-edge research in next-generation electric propulsion, high-efficiency power conversion, and ultra-low-temperature electronics, with applications spanning aerospace, grid systems, and quantum technologies. Our work encompasses discovery science through to commercial implementation. We are seeking an experienced senior research engineer to work on a number of applied HTS engineering programmes in rotating machines, magnetic levitation, magnet systems and brushless exciters. The successful applicant will contribute to a range of applied projects, working closely with our international and domestic research partners. The successful applicant must be prepared to perform a large variety of tasks: designing prototypes and programming tasks, occasionally fabricating and assembling prototypes, undertaking modelling and calculations, and always involving challenging problem-solving. Ō pūmanawa - About you Key requirements: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with 7+ years research experience. Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: Power electronics design, superconducting machine controls and development, and cryogenic electronics. Experience with embedded software for power systems. Experience with high-voltage or high-frequency power electronics for aerospace or transportation. Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and instrumentation. Proficiency in modelling simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, or equivalent. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or demonstrated innovation in experimental methods. Practical implementation and prototype build skills. Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers. Experience with student supervision at Masters or PhD level is an advantage. Aptitude and willingness to learn new skills required to address difficult problems. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills. 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 careers page. Close date for vacancy: 05 November 2025. Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman, Institute Manager (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz). How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. 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. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will contribute to a range of applied projects, working closely with international and domestic research partners. Responsibilities include designing prototypes, programming tasks, fabricating and assembling prototypes, and undertaking modelling and calculations.