Facilities Project Engineer – Fixed Term (24 Months)
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
About Us
HamiltonJet is a highly regarded global leader in marine propulsion systems, serving customers around the world. Our products and services are trusted by boat builders, naval architects, commercial operators, defence organisations, and a diverse range of end users in more than 120 countries. Renowned for reliability and performance in demanding applications, HamiltonJet continues to set the standard for waterjet propulsion technology.
To learn more about our company, products, and services, visit HamiltonJet.
The successful applicant will be employed on a full-time, 24-month fixed-term basis
About the role
HamiltonJet waterjets are designed and built right here in Christchurch, and we're investing in the facilities that make them. We have three approved facilities projects underway:
Expanding an existing temperature- and humidity-controlled manufacturing space to increase our factory capacity
Building a new electronics lab (approx. 290 sqm) to strengthen our product design capability
Upgrading and refreshing the people amenities at our Waterloo Road foundry
We're looking for a Facilities Project Engineer to lead all three from inception to completion. This fixed-term role is aligned to the delivery of these projects.
This is a hands-on opportunity to deliver real building projects inside a working factory – where keeping production running and everyone safe matters just as much as the finished result. You'll be the single point of contact between HamiltonJet, consultants, contractors and territorial authorities, working closely with our Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, HSEQ, Maintenance, Foundry, Purchasing and Finance teams, right up to the Senior Management Team.
What you'll be doing
Reporting within Manufacturing Engineering leadership, the role has three core areas of focus.
1. Lead planning
Develop a thorough understanding of the existing areas and the needs of the people who will use them.
Define project scope, requirements and design inputs, and develop concept and detailed designs, cost estimates and timing plans.
Act as HamiltonJet's single point of contact for all consultants (structural, electrical, mechanical, health and safety and others).
Secure new or amended building and resource consents from territorial authorities before work begins.
Success looks like: consents approved, with a cost-tracking model and an MS Project timing plan in place.
2. Lead execution and implementation
Run tendering processes for elements over $10k and select competent contractors at the best possible cost.
Raise CAPEX requests and purchase orders for all aspects of the projects.
Lead consultants, contractors and suppliers through procurement, construction and commissioning.
Manage safety risk for all contractor activity using our JSA process.
Hold daily meetings in affected areas so everyone knows and supports the plan.
Ensure all final as-builts are received and archived appropriately.
Success looks like: a “no surprises” delivery – no loss to production and no safety incidents or injuries.
3. Lead reporting
Communicate the daily plan to the local production manager during contractor works.
Attend the weekly Manufacturing Engineering coordination meeting.
Provide monthly written reports to the Senior Management Team, with occasional face-to-face updates.
Prepare reports and attend meetings with territorial authorities as required.
Maintain, update and communicate budget performance.
Success looks like: everyone from the factory floor to the Senior Management Team knows where the projects stand.
About You
Essential
Tertiary qualification in a relevant engineering discipline (mechanical or civil/structural), or equivalent experience.
Experience delivering new commercial or industrial building projects (industrial preferred).
Experience upgrading existing facilities.
Experience managing multi-discipline consultants and multi-trade installation contractors.
Experience working with territorial authorities and the consenting process.
A strong health and safety ethic, including knowledge of construction safety.
Excellent written and verbal communication at all levels, with strong teamwork, coordination and facilitation skills.
Proficiency with MS Office, including MS Project and AutoCad
Advantageous
Experience working in corporate ERP systems.
Formal project management training or demonstrated equivalent.
What we offer
Three approved capital projects to lead from day one.
The chance to shape the facilities of an iconic New Zealand engineering exporter.
Life in Christchurch – a modern, easy-to-navigate city with the Southern Alps, coastline and Canterbury lifestyle on your doorstep.
A supportive team environment in a world-class manufacturing setting.
How to Apply
If you're an experienced facilities or building project engineer who enjoys delivering projects in a live industrial environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter via the Quick Apply link on SEEK. Applications close Sunday 15th November 2026