Graduate Engineer ME,PhD - Pilot Plant Operator: Mechanical or Process Engineer

Graduate Engineer (ME,PhD)

Pilot Plant Operator: Mechanical or Process Engineer

SNAPSHOT:

· Location: Rotorua Central, Bay of Plenty (Hybrid)

· Focus area: Mechanical or Process Engineering (Engineering)

· Duration: Contract/Temp/Fixed Term

Join a dynamic and innovative team working on a pilot scale biotechnology project.

Upflow is a New Zealand based consultancy, with a focus on research and innovation and providing intelligent solutions to the global geothermal industry. We seek out opportunities where others may see insurmountable challenges. We want to do cool things with cool people via innovative tool development, delivering geothermal research outcomes, and finding new and creative ways to challenge old paradigms. At Upflow, you will be respected, have autonomy and be part of a core team of geothermal experts and enthusiasts.

About the Project

• The project “Novel Biofeedstocks using Indigenous Resources” aims to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of a lab process for growing single cell proteins from extremophile bacteria and algae as alternative feedstocks for animal feed and other valuable products. https://www.upflow.nz/projects/biofeedstocks
• The project involves designing, constructing and operating a 500L pilot plant that will produce biomass from geothermal methane and carbon dioxide gases.
• We aim to prove the technical, economic, and environmental viability of the process and to explore the potential markets and applications of the products.

About the role

• We are seeking a recent PhD or Masters graduate in mechanical or process engineering to be our pilot plant operator / technician for a 6-8 month fixed term period.
• The successful candidate will work full-time work with our team, starting by 1st December 2026 and completing the project by 31 July 2027.
• You will work closely with the Project Manager, the engineering team, and external project partners to achieve the objectives of the project and to deliver high-quality results and reports.
• The role will be based in the Upflow office in Rotorua and on-site at the pilot plant (Rotokawa, near Taupō).

Your main tasks will include:

• Operate the pilot plant in accordance with approved operating instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Complete pre-start checks, routine operating checks, and shutdown activities as required.
• Monitor plant performance, process conditions, equipment status, and key operating parameters during operation.
• Identify, investigate, and assist with troubleshooting operational issues, process deviations, and equipment faults.
• Record operating data accurately and consistently using project logs, spreadsheets, or other reporting systems.
• Analyse operating trends and provide clear summaries of plant performance, issues, constraints, and improvement opportunities.
• Collect process samples in accordance with sampling plans and procedures and carry out basic sample preparation and analysis, where required.
• Provide input into process optimisation, operational improvements, and lessons learned from pilot plant operation.
• Support documentation updates, including operating procedures, checklists, test plans, and operating reports where appropriate.
• Contribute practical operating observations and data to support the scale-up feasibility study and business case.
• Carry out all work safely and responsibly in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, site requirements, and project-specific safety procedures.

About you

• You will have recently completed a Masters or PhD in mechanical or process engineering. To align with the eligibility criteria of our external funding, this means you will have recently completed a Masters or PhD degree, submitted a thesis for a Masters or PhD, or submitted for marking all course requirements for a taught Masters no more than 12 months prior to 31 August 2026.
• You are a practical person, who is a hands-on problem solver, mechanically inclined, and pragmatic troubleshooter.
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in English and can work effectively both independently and in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• You are proactive, creative and problem-solving oriented.
• Basic software/PLC programming skills would be advantageous.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply through the SEEK platform and include your CV, relevant references and a cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role. You must meet these critiria:

• You will have recently completed a Masters or PhD in mechanical or process engineering.
• To align with the eligibility criteria of our external funding, this means you will have recently completed a Masters or PhD degree, submitted a thesis for a Masters or PhD, or submitted for marking all course requirements for a taught Masters no more than 12 months prior to 31 August 2026.

We will review the applications and contact shortlisted candidates for an interview.