Location: Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, New Zealand

Company: KiwiFibre Innovations Limited

Start date: Flexible - October/November 2025

Employment type: Fixed term, total of 400 hours.

Reports to: CEO & COO

Background & Purpose:

KiwiFibre is developing a new generation of materials using harakeke fibre as a high-performance alternative to synthetic composite materials. Think rally cars, snowboards, satellites, almost anything… Right now, we’re designing, building and modifying equipment that is bespoke and highly specialised, which is taking our materials to the next level.

The Role:

We’re looking for a talented engineer to help us develop and improve new fibre processing technologies. You’ll be working in our engineering team, with responsibilities related to the different subsystems within our core engineering development projects. The role is hands-on, involving design work in the office and practical engineering in our workshop.

We’re not necessarily looking for someone with the highest grades in the world, but we are looking for a true engineer who does projects outside of uni, is genuinely passionate about technology, innovation and applying their skills to new challenges.

Your university studies must be at a level 6 to 10 degree, and you must either be currently studying or you’ve completed your studies within 12 months of starting this job. You must have the ability to complete the 400 hours of work prior to 31st March 2026.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

Research & Development:

• Contribute to R&D activities on automation and mechanical improvements for existing specialist equipment.
• Research future technologies to implement into the supply chain such as machine learning, computer vision and artificial intelligence.

Design Engineering

• Designing, researching, prototyping and testing of mechanical, electrical and automation systems for specialist natural fibre composite production equipment.

Practical Engineering:

• Work alongside our engineering team to physically build and implement systems. Use tools such as CAD, 3D printing and programming to build prototypes and rapidly validate ideas.

Measures of Success

• Existing equipment is improved to be more efficient, effective, accurate, reliable, safe and automated.
• New projects are benefitted by your skills in design, programming, automation, controls, machine learning.
• Tasks are completed on-time and to a high standard from which our engineering team can begin implementing.
• Recommendations for projects are data-backed, well-validated and actionable.
• Communication of ideas, and documentation of work is thorough and clear.

Required Skills, Experience & Competencies:

• Keen interest in composite materials and natural fibres.
• Studying engineering, ideally mechanical or mechatronics.
• Programming ability, proficient in Python minimum. Experience with C++, PLCs and microcontrollers preferred.
• Proven practical skills, confident getting hands-on.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Safety mindset towards system designs.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, and confidence working independently.
• You’re methodical, curious and have strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates initiative, systems thinking perspective.

Why work at KiwiFibre?

• This is a rare opportunity to join one of the Asia/Pacific region’s most promising startup companies.
• Enjoyable environment and work culture, where you are directly contributing to the future of the materials industry.
• The opportunity to explore ideas, push boundaries, try, fail, learn and succeed.
• Exposure to exciting industries, applications, and contacts.

Apply now with your CV, cover letter and project portfolio, to [email protected]