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Posted 01 August, 2026

Mechanical Engineering - Hydro Internship (Nov 2026)

Contact Energy
Clyde, OTA, NZ Full Time
Reference: 8b04f1c80659e4d8

Job Description

Mechanical Engineering - Hydro Internship (Nov 2026) At Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy), we believe home is the most important place in the world. It's all part of our vision to leave Aotearoa better than we found it. We're a power, mobile, and broadband company, but we're so much more than that. We're focused on creating a more sustainable energy system for Aotearoa, helping customers navigate the energy transition, and building a business that's ready for the future. TeWhiwhingamahi | The opportunity Mechanical Engineering Intern - Hydro Ko wai mātou | About us At Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy), we believe home is the most important place in the world. It's all part of our vision to leave Aotearoa better than we found it. We're a power, mobile, and broadband company, but we're so much more than that. We're focused on creating a more sustainable energy system for Aotearoa, helping customers navigate the energy transition, and building a business that's ready for the future. TeWhiwhingamahi | The opportunity Our Summer Internship Programme is designed to give you real-world experience, meaningful work, and the chance to learn from people who know the energy industry inside out. As a Mechanical Engineering Intern based in Clyde, you’ll support our South Island Hydro team and gain hands‑on exposure to the Clutha hydro scheme. From day one, you’ll be involved in real projects that help support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of our hydro generation assets. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, technicians and operational staff, spending time in both office and field environments while seeing how mechanical engineering is applied in the real world. You will be involved in: Supporting mechanical design activities using SolidWorks, including component, bracket or other practical design work. Taking part in inspections, testing and field activities involving hydro assets, gates and operational equipment. Contributing to maintenance planning, operational documentation and improvement initiatives that support our hydro sites. Working alongside engineers, technicians and operational teams during outages, site visits and field-based work, with potential travel across the South Island. You’ll get exposure to hydro generation from water to wire, build practical skills, and see how classroom learning connects to real engineering decisions in an operational environment. Kowaikoe| About you We are seeking applications from students studying towards a Mechanical Engineering degree who are curious about hydro generation, infrastructure, design and practical engineering. Familiarity with SolidWorks or other design software would be helpful, but what matters most is your willingness to learn and get involved. We can equip you with the skills needed to excel in this internship and beyond. What truly matters to us is inclusivity and diversity of thought, so it is important to just be yourself! We're looking for people who bring curiosity, fresh thinking and a willingness to learn. We value diverse perspectives and know that great ideas can come from anywhere, so we encourage you to bring your authentic self to work. If our values of Own the Future, Brave Humility, and Performance Edge resonate with you, we'd love to hear from you. Ideally, you are: Curious, proactive and eager to learn from experienced engineers, technicians and operational teams. Comfortable taking ownership of tasks while knowing when to ask questions or seek guidance. Interested in mechanical design, maintenance, operational problem solving and seeing engineering applied on real assets. Able to work independently and collaboratively, with a full driver’s licence and an interest in field-based engineering and site work. Te Tākinatanga | Our Story At Contact, we're focused on creating a better future for New Zealand. Through Contact31, we're building on our strengths as New Zealand's geothermal leader, growing renewable generation, investing in energy flexibility, helping customers transition to smarter energy use, and creating an organisation powered by great people, technology and innovation. It's an exciting time to join us, and we'd love you to be part of the journey. Our summer internship programme is expected to run from late November through to mid-February. You’ll start with a virtual induction where you’ll learn about our Contact story, connect with other interns and graduates, and hear from leaders about what to expect. Throughout the internship, you’ll have assigned tasks, responsibilities and projects to complete, an online learning pathway, and a dedicated buddy to help support you along the way. So, what do you think? This is an opportunity to make a real impact while developing practical mechanical engineering experience in one of Aotearoa’s important hydro generation environments. If you’re interested in renewable energy, hydro assets, hands‑on engineering and spending your summer based in Clyde, we’d love to hear from you. Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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