Design and Estimating Engineer
Nelson | Permanent, full-time
Kernohan Engineering has been solving mechanical problems in the top of the South since 1972. One week you might be drafting and designing a custom art sculpture, aluminium gangway or conveyor system; the next, you could be pricing a fabrication package for a fishing vessel or a wastewater upgrade. If you like variety and don’t want to draw the same bracket twice, this is the job
The role
You'll own the front end of our projects — design, planning and pricing — with real autonomy over how you get there.
- Develop technically sound, compliant, user-friendly design drawings and specifications in SolidWorks, working directly with clients to pin down what they actually need.
- Estimate the full cost of each project — materials, plant, labour and subcontracted work — and prepare market-competitive pricing and proposals across a diverse range of customer work.
- Provide input into planning for new projects, establish project budgets, and support project managers on key jobs — including documenting and managing variations.
- Compile the job packs that get our engineers and workshop away cleanly.
- Get involved in customer service and business development as a trusted technical voice.
About you
Ideally qualified in mechanical engineering design or similar, and with solid hands-on drafting experience, you will have:
- A level 6 or higher qualification in mechanical engineering or industrial design, or equivalent demonstrated experience
- Prior mechanical drafting experience in a fabrication, engineering or manufacturing environment however, exceptional graduates with strong technical aptitude and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated working experience with SolidWorks, and the ability to create technical drawings for manufacture
- A sound understanding of estimating complex projects in the engineering sector
- The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, architectural drawing and customer sketches.
- Strong Excel skills, including building and checking estimating spreadsheets, plus competence with Microsoft Office and job management systems
- Strong mechanical understanding — able to quickly appreciate the needs of diverse customers seeking mechanical expertise in a contracting environment
- Excellent numeric skills, and outstanding attention to detail
- A high level of flexibility — capable of working across diverse projects and industries simultaneously
- A highly customer-driven approach — able to build rapport quickly and become a trusted source of professional advice
- A current New Zealand Class 1 driver licence
Nice to have
- A trade background in fabrication, welding, machining or similar
- Working knowledge of the standards that govern our work — AS/NZS 1554, AS/NZS 5131, NZS 3404, AS 1210, AS/NZS 3788, ASME B31.3
- Other CAD systems, particularly Fusion 360
- An understanding of plant maintenance operations and needs
You don't want just a job. You want a role where you're expected to think for yourself and make decisions, where you can grow your own skills, be fairly rewarded for your talent, and help drive the team's growth. You're someone who relishes being trusted to do what you do best — work smart, work safe, find solutions, and own what you do.
About us
In business since 1972, we cover everything from maintenance servicing and ferrous and non-ferrous fabrication to pipework, CNC machining and laser cutting. Our clients range from sawmills to fisheries and marine, from food and beverage production to water processing infrastructure, from innovative start-ups to long-established market leaders.We've built our growth on the back of a high-performing team that loves nothing more than a job well done. Happy customers and proud staff are a strong combination, and we're equally committed to both. We're proactively embracing the future, investing in the continuous upskilling of our people and the technology they need to do their job well.Our Nelson facilities are a great base from which to serve both local and nationwide customers, and years of specialist work across the country have refined our ability to deliver high-quality, client-centred engineering solutions
How to apply
Click Apply Now with your updated CV and Cover Letter. We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. Please note that only candidates with NZ citizenship or permanent residency will be considered for this role. Please be aware that a Pre-employment Medical, including drug and alcohol screen, forms part of the recruitment process, as are ACC and Ministry of Justice checks..
