Fibre Quality & Process Engineer

Location: Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, New Zealand

Company: KiwiFibre Innovations Limited

Start date: August 2025

Employment type: Full time / Fixed Term Contract 2 years

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Background and Purpose:

KiwiFibre is developing a new generation of composite materials using harakeke fibre as a high-performance alternative to synthetic composite materials. Currently, we’re developing specialist processes and equipment to take natural fibres to the next level.

The Role:

We’re looking for a Fibre Quality & Process Engineer to help us understand, measure, and improve natural fibre quality. You’ll be working in material science and engineering, working hands-on with fibre and machinery to help us develop new quality processes and equipment.

Key Accountabilities:

Develop Quality & Testing Processes

• Prepare fibre samples and operate testing equipment, such as our Universal Testing Machine.
• Conduct fibre structure analysis, including uniformity, diameter, and batch consistency checks.
• Follow physical testing methods such as single fibre and IFBT to track performance across batches.
• Analyse fibre performance data to identify correlations between variables and mechanical performance.

Fibre Processing and Development

• Work alongside our engineering team on developing fibre processing equipment.
• Support process refinement methods and projects.
• Support decisions around fibre compatibility with equipment and polymers.

R&D Collaboration

• Support lab-scale trials with our local and international research partners.
• Contribute to experimental design for natural fibre treatments.
• Help develop data-driven insights that feed directly into harvesting and production best-practice.

Measures of success:

• The variables that influence fibre quality are understood.
• All tests and trials are consistent, correctly measured, and well documented.
• Science-based and actionable recommendations are made to achieve optimal fibre quality.
• The required fibre quality is achieved.

Required skills, Experience & Competencies:

• Masters degree or higher in relevant science or engineering field.
• Experience in materials, natural fibres, process & mechanical engineering.
• Experience in laboratories and R&D environments.
• Familiarity with harakeke and/or other natural fibres.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, and confidence working independently.
• You’re methodical, curious and have strong attention to detail.
• Full drivers licence, willingness to travel.

Why work at KiwiFibre:

• This is a rare opportunity to join one of the Asia/Pacific region’s most promising startup companies.
• You’ll play a key role in establishing a revolutionary industry and company.
• A job like no other; time to test new products on the ski slopes or in the surf, opportunities to travel and see New Zealand, with competitive remuneration.