• 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 ideally 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 to join Paihau - Robinson Research Institute to work on a number of applied 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.

Our programme is looking at the development of an Applied-Field (AF)-Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster which makes 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.

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).
• Ideally 10 years post PhD 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.

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.