Opportunities for Mechanical Engineers?

[mi_engineer]

I am a mechanical engineer from the US (Michigan) and I am brand new to the forum (2nd post). My wife and I (three kids) have been considering a move to NZ for some time now. I know that salaries are lower in NZ, but I have been teaching in high school for twelve years now and am quite used to being grossly underpaid.

My research so far leads me to believe that the only way we could move to NZ would be to get a job in industry again. As much as I would like to continue teaching, I don't think that any school could offer me a moving allowance big enough to overcome the costs involved. If I am wrong about this, I would sure like to know.

Anyway (assuming I'm close to right), what are the opportunities for ME's in NZ? What is the best route to take for getting a job? Does anyone know anything about Technical Recruitment Solutions? Are they reputable?

[bob_the_engineer]

Hi mi_engineer, and welcome to the forum.

I’ve found TRS to be absolutely rubbish. I approached them while still in the UK, they ignored me. I registered with them online when I reached NZ they ignored me again!
I have an hons degree in electronics and several years of industrial R&D experience. They may treat Mec Engineers a bit better, but I’m not wasting any more of my time on them. (just my opinion)

Adecco are advertising for Mechanical Engineers on www.seek.co.nz at the moment. http://www.adecco.co.nz/ but their website search doesn’t show the vacancy.

The career engineer are responsive and very helpful, they don’t recruit electronics engineers, despite this they gave me lots of helpful advice. (I think they do recruit mechanical engineers)

Having spent loads of time looking for work as an engineer, I can say I’ve seen several positions advertised for Mechanical Engineers on Seek.

While job hunting the following approaches worked:

Attending the expo in the UK worked, I registered with the companies that were coming to the expo, they invited me in before the expo started.
Trolling the internet for company websites and applying for their advertised positions.
Speculatively posting hard copies of my C.V.

The approaches that have had absolutely no success are:
Speculatively emailing my C.V.
Recruitment agencies.

I have to stay in a particular region of NZ at the moment, because of this none of the offers I’ve had have been suitable, so I’m still looking for a job. If I come across any adds that look promising for Mechanical Engineers I’ll PM them to you.

One other thing (that you may already know) is don’t be surprised if you get a very slow response from companies over the next few weeks. Lots of people are taking summer holidays at the moment.

Hope that’s been helpful Bob

[DLW]

Hi Mi Engineer,

My husband is in a similar line of work. He found Gary at Refocus very helpful www.refocus.co.nz. There are quite alot of Technical Recruitment specialists on the web and I would advise you to go one of these instead of a 'general' recruiter. Some of the bigger employers that you might try are NZ Steel, NZRC (www.nzrc.co.nz) Carter Holt Harvey (Paper mills) I think the site for them is www.CHH.co.nz also there is alot of industry (Chemical & Oil & Gas) in Taranaki. One to try is www.balance.co.nz

Good Luck.

[wanderingoregonian]

Thanks for the great info bob_the_engineer. My OH is an ME who works in robotics (haptics) at the moment. While we're hoping to go with me as the primary applicant, any info on ME job prospects is useful. Thanks again!

[mi_engineer]

Yes, thanks a lot! My expertise is in design (particularly injection molded products) and I know that injection molding is not real big in NZ - but that the govt has made design a major priority as a way of boosting the economy. Sites like http://www.betterbydesign.org.nz/ give me some hope that what I do may be wanted.

Question though: will they want me enough?

[bob_the_engineer]

Hi,

Your probably already using this site, but I thought I’d post it just in case.

It’s the ipenz job site

http://www.jobhunt.co.nz/default.cfm

Kind Regards Bob

[mi_engineer]

Thanks, Bob!

[bob_the_engineer]

Hi I spotted this, it was advertised on seek yesterday. It’s in Hawke’s bay (where I live) which is a lovely place.
TRS are also advertising for a Mech Project Engineer in the same region.

Regards Bob



Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Heavy Industrial Manufacturer

This position would suit a “doer” someone who enjoys getting involved in all aspects of project engineering, from design through to commissioning particularly within the heavy Industrial arena.

Key tasks of the role are to produce, detailed designs along with all other information, to be utilised by the Manufacturing team, Purchasing, Clients, Sub-Contractors, Installation engineers etc. On occasions you could also be asked to act as Project Manager for the installation and commissioning of the companies large industrial products.

Successful applicants will have a tertiary degree in Mechanical engineering or similar and preferably come from an Industrial manufacturing environment (fabrication, heat exchanger, boiler and plant layout skills would be advantageous). You will also be experienced with AutoCAD or Inventor and have excellent communication skills.

This Export Award winning company offers excellent future career prospects for a solid career minded Engineer, which is also compensated with a competitive salary and located within a beautiful part of NZ.

For a confidential enquiry and to present CV’s please contact John Kiriakidis on (04) 472 6558 or email jk@trs.co.nz
Note: if this vacancy is not exactly what you are seeking, then please contact me in confidence to discuss your individual requirements.