Service Engineer

For more than 40 years, New Zealand Ocean Technology (NZOT) has been one of the country's leading specialists in underwater and maritime defence technology. Now part of EDGE Defence, we supply and provide through-life support for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), diver navigation and sonar systems, and other specialist maritime capability - supporting the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Police and other agencies from our workshop at Devonport Naval Base. We're also expanding into the fast-growing field of autonomous surface vessels (USVs). About the role We're looking for a hands‑on Service Engineer to service, maintain, repair, test and operate our AUVs and a range of underwater systems, and to bring engineering expertise into our growing USV capability. You'll be based at our Devonport workshop, work closely with our OEM partners and customers, and deploy in the field and at sea to support trials, exercises and operations. It's a role for someone who's equally comfortable on the bench and on the deck. What you’ll do Lead hands‑on troubleshooting, repair, servicing, maintenance and testing of AUVs, USVs and their payloads, sensors, batteries and comms Run and simulate day‑to‑day field operations including pre‑mission checks, launch and recovery, vehicle tasking/mission planning and post‑mission data analysis. Support at sea operations and trials from a range of support vessels, including deck operations (crane, A‑frame or dedicated launch‑and‑recovery systems, as well as beach and boat launching) Write, review and execute service and test plans Provide operator/maintainer training and technical support to customers Deliver field insights and product‑improvement suggestions and general feedback to OEM partners and engineering Manage service records, spares and OEM returns/RMAs Support domestic and overseas deployments, exercises and long‑term sustainment Work to our safety, security (ITAR/DISP) and quality requirements. What you’ll bring A degree in mechatronics, electrical, electronic, mechanical or Marine engineering — or an equivalent trade qualification with strong hands‑on experience. Proven troubleshooting and repair of complex electro‑mechanical/robotic systems, electronics, and sensors Comfort with Linux/command‑line interfaces and basic software debugging A methodical, safety‑first approach and disciplined documentation Full NZ driver’s licence, and willingness and ability to travel, deploy and work at sea A valid New Zealand passport with an ability to work overseas, for the company, including travel to the USA. Highly regarded Experience operating robotic systems at sea (AUV/UUV/ROV/USV) in a commercial, research or defence offshore environment Launch‑and‑recovery / deck operations experience (crane, A‑frame, dedicated L&R systems) Knowledge of subsea acoustic systems, sonar, underwater navigation and comms Autonomy, robotics or software experience Small‑boat handling, seagoing, dive, or marine‑trade experience Because of the defence environment and export‑controlled equipment involved, you must be a New Zealand citizen and hold a New Zealand Passport.You must eligible to obtain and hold a New Zealand Government security clearance and have unescorted access to the Devonport Naval Base. You'll also must be willing and able to travel and deploy from time to time. We are a small, expert, tight‑knit team doing genuinely interesting work at the leading edge of uncrewed maritime systems, which you will be a key player for. You will be given real hands on ownership across the whole system - bench, workshop and at sea A direct hand in building New Zealand's sovereign maritime capability, with room to grow into our expanding USV work #J-18808-Ljbffr