Junior Design Engineer (Summer Intern)

We Go Beyond for A Safer World

At Tait Communications, our Summer Internships give students the opportunity to work on real projects, solve genuine engineering challenges, and contribute to products that help keep communities safe and connected.

Te Tūranga - The Role

Tait's rugged portable radios are designed to perform in some of the world's most demanding environments, where protection from water, dust, and debris is essential. At the same time, they must deliver clear, reliable audio so users can communicate effectively when it matters most. This project focuses on the use of acoustically transparent materials that help maintain environmental protection without compromising loudness, speech quality, or intelligibility.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you will develop a test procedure to accurately compare different speaker cloth materials, conduct testing, analyse results, and produce a detailed report outlining your findings and recommendations. The outcomes of this research may help inform future product design decisions and contribute to enhancing the customer experience.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Developing a test procedure to accurately compare different acoustically transparent materials.

• Carrying out audio and environmental test procedures.

• Recording, analysing, and interpreting test results.

• Supporting requirements capture and design activities.

• Working with suppliers to source and procure sample materials.

• Assisting with CAD modelling, prototyping, and design implementation.

• Participating in design reviews and applying feedback to improve outcomes.

• Learning and applying industry standards, tools, and best practices.

• Collaborating with senior engineers to deliver project outcomes and contribute ideas.

Ō pūkenga - About You

We're looking for someone who is curious, motivated, and excited to apply their academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Be completing a relevant tertiary qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Audio Engineering.

• Have a passion for product development, design, and problem-solving.

• Be eager to learn and apply knowledge in a practical, hands-on environment

• Enjoy hands-on learning and applying engineering principles in a practical environment.

• Have an interest in audio testing and acoustic performance. Knowledge of time-domain and frequency-domain concepts would be advantageous.

• Have some familiarity with CAD or 3D design tools. Experience with Creo is beneficial, but not essential.

• Demonstrate strong analytical, observational, and critical-thinking skills.

• Be a collaborative team player with excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude.

Most importantly, you'll bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn while contributing to technology that makes a difference around the world.

Ngā painga - What's in it for You?

We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers. We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together. We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high-performance culture.

By undertaking a Summer Internship with us, you will be joining a global leader with over 50 years’ experience in critical communications. You will get the chance to learn from experienced engineers, whilst working on projects with real world significance, using cutting edge technology at the forefront of technical innovation. As well as developing your technical skills through on-the-job learning, we’ll also support you in developing the necessary soft skills to become a valued team member.

If you are passionate about problem solving, able to work autonomously and as part of a team, and can take initiative and communicate effectively, then we want to hear from you! We have a variety of exciting projects for you to choose from, covering a range of engineering, service management and technological functions.

To apply, please include a cover letter addressing the following questions:

• Why does this internship appeal to you, and how does it align with your future career goals?

• Describe a project, achievement, or experience you are most proud of. What was your contribution, and what did you learn from the experience?

• What do you hope to achieve or gain from completing this internship?

• What is your current level of study, and when do you expect to graduate?

Please note: Your cover letter will be used as part of the assessment process, so we encourage you to provide specific examples and insights into your experiences, aspirations, and suitability for the internship, maximum 200 words per question. Applications will close Sunday 6th September, please contact [email protected] for any further questions.

About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering, and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now have a network of customers and offices that spans the globe.

Our employees value being part of a creative team committed to providing technological solutions that make a real difference to the communities we support. By joining Tait, you'll be joining a community of people with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, who care deeply about their work and the genuine impact it has for our customers, and who support each other to grow and develop.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tait Communications is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.
We are encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

Sound like your kind of role? If you are looking to take the next step in your career and are ready to work for a high performing organization, alongside talented people, please submit your application with CV and cover letter via our online careers site. Only applications submitted through the official application process will be considered.

Applications will be assessed as they are received, and your CV will be held unless you contact us to request this to be removed.

For more information about the company, our products and solutions offered to our customers, please visit our website: www.taitcommunications.com

We encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.