New Zealand has a well-established shipbuilding and ship machinery sector, supported by a long coastline and strong maritime traditions. The industry is vital for both domestic and international trade, creating stable opportunities.
There is a consistent demand for professionals with expertise in ship design, construction, repair, and marine machinery. This creates opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement.
The industry integrates modern technologies such as advanced engineering, sustainable ship design, and automation, offering professionals the chance to work with cutting-edge systems.
Experience in New Zealand’s shipbuilding sector can open doors to global markets, as the skills gained are highly transferable and valued worldwide.
New Zealand is known for its balanced lifestyle, with a focus on employee well-being, safe working conditions, and strong community support in maritime hubs.
New Zealand’s shipbuilding and ship machinery sector is an essential part of its maritime economy, offering international candidates a chance to work in a growing and dynamic industry.
The country actively seeks skilled professionals from overseas, providing opportunities for engineers, technicians, and specialists to contribute their expertise in modern shipbuilding projects.
New Zealand shipyards emphasize environmentally friendly practices, advanced design, and precision engineering—ideal for candidates who want to be part of future-focused maritime solutions.
Working in New Zealand equips professionals with highly transferable skills, recognized worldwide in commercial, defense, and recreational shipbuilding sectors.
International candidates not only gain professional development but also enjoy New Zealand’s renowned work-life balance, multicultural communities, and stunning natural environment.
New Zealand builds and maintains a variety of commercial vessels, including cargo ships, ferries, and coastal trading ships designed for efficient transport and regional trade.
As fishing is a major industry, the country specializes in constructing and servicing trawlers, longliners, and specialized fishing boats with advanced machinery for processing and storage.
Shipyards also support the construction and maintenance of naval and coast guard vessels, focusing on durability, speed, and advanced navigation systems.
New Zealand is internationally renowned for building high-quality yachts and superyachts, integrating innovative design, precision engineering, and luxury customization.
The industry supports a wide range of ship machinery, including propulsion systems, marine engines, navigation equipment, hydraulic systems, and safety gear, ensuring vessels meet global standards.
Alongside new builds, New Zealand offers specialized repair yards and dry docks for maintenance, retrofitting, and upgrading of both domestic and international vessels.
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (NZD) |
Avg Salary (USD) |
Avg Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
95,000 |
57,000 |
4,750,000 |
|
Marine Engineer |
90,000 |
54,000 |
4,500,000 |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
88,000 |
52,800 |
4,400,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Marine) |
85,000 |
51,000 |
4,250,000 |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
84,000 |
50,400 |
4,200,000 |
|
Shipyard Project Manager |
110,000 |
66,000 |
5,500,000 |
|
Ship Repair & Maintenance Engineer |
78,000 |
46,800 |
3,900,000 |
|
Marine Technician |
65,000 |
39,000 |
3,250,000 |
|
Welding Specialist (Shipbuilding) |
60,000 |
36,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Fabrication Specialist |
62,000 |
37,200 |
3,100,000 |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
70,000 |
42,000 |
3,500,000 |
|
Marine Safety Officer |
75,000 |
45,000 |
3,750,000 |
|
Dockyard Supervisor |
80,000 |
48,000 |
4,000,000 |
|
Ship Production Planner |
77,000 |
46,200 |
3,850,000 |
|
CAD Designer (Marine Structures) |
72,000 |
43,200 |
3,600,000 |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator |
68,000 |
40,800 |
3,400,000 |
|
Marine Electrician |
66,000 |
39,600 |
3,300,000 |
|
Marine Plumber & Pipefitter |
64,000 |
38,400 |
3,200,000 |
|
Rigger (Shipbuilding) |
58,000 |
34,800 |
2,900,000 |
|
Apprentice / Trainee (Shipyard) |
45,000 |
27,000 |
2,250,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details for International Applicants |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Diploma / Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or related technical fields. |
|
Work Experience |
Minimum 2–5 years of relevant shipbuilding, ship machinery, or marine engineering experience (depending on the role). |
|
Technical Skills |
Proficiency in ship design, CAD software, welding, fabrication, marine engines, hydraulic systems, and repair/maintenance work. |
|
Professional Certifications |
Marine welding certifications, STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping), or classification society approvals (e.g., Lloyd’s, DNV) are preferred. |
|
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL, or equivalent proof of English proficiency (mandatory for work visa applications). |
|
Work Visa Requirement |
Must secure a New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. |
|
Health & Character Checks |
Medical fitness certificate and police clearance required for visa processing. |
|
Age Limit (General) |
Typically 21–55 years (depends on visa category and employer). |
|
Adaptability |
Willingness to work in shipyards, dry docks, and coastal regions under varying conditions. |
|
Recognition of Overseas Qualification |
Must be assessed and recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) if qualification is from abroad. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Designs ship structures and hull forms; ensures stability, safety, and efficiency of vessels. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Oversees ship machinery systems, propulsion, engines, and onboard equipment. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Develops technical drawings and CAD designs for shipbuilding projects. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Marine) |
Works on mechanical components such as turbines, pumps, and auxiliary systems. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots ship electrical systems and automation controls. |
|
Shipyard Project Manager |
Manages timelines, budgets, and coordination of shipbuilding projects. |
|
Ship Repair & Maintenance Engineer |
Supervises dry-docking, repair, retrofitting, and servicing of vessels. |
|
Marine Technician |
Provides hands-on technical support for machinery, electrical, and hydraulic systems. |
|
Welding Specialist |
Performs high-precision welding and fabrication for ship hulls and structural components. |
|
Fabrication Specialist |
Manufactures and assembles ship parts using metals, alloys, and composites. |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
Conducts inspections to ensure ships meet international safety and quality standards. |
|
Marine Safety Officer |
Ensures compliance with maritime safety laws, conducts safety drills, and risk assessments. |
|
Dockyard Supervisor |
Oversees daily shipyard operations, worker safety, and productivity. |
|
Ship Production Planner |
Prepares schedules, allocates resources, and tracks shipbuilding progress. |
|
CAD Designer (Marine Structures) |
Creates detailed design blueprints and 3D models for shipbuilding projects. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator |
Manages procurement, spare parts inventory, and delivery of ship machinery components. |
|
Marine Electrician |
Installs and repairs electrical wiring, lighting, and communication systems on ships. |
|
Marine Plumber & Pipefitter |
Installs and maintains piping systems for fuel, water, and hydraulics onboard vessels. |
|
Rigger (Shipbuilding) |
Handles ropes, chains, cranes, and heavy lifting equipment during ship construction. |
|
Apprentice / Trainee (Shipyard) |
Assists senior workers in shipbuilding tasks while learning technical skills. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering; 3–5 yrs experience; CAD proficiency; NZQA recognition. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Marine/Mechanical Engineering; STCW certificate preferred; ship machinery experience. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Degree/Diploma in Engineering; CAD/3D modeling skills; 2–4 yrs design experience. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Marine) |
Mechanical/Marine Engineering degree; machinery maintenance and shipyard exposure. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
Electrical/Electronics Engineering degree; marine electrical system expertise. |
|
Shipyard Project Manager |
Engineering degree + PMP/Project Mgmt certification; 7–10 yrs shipyard experience. |
|
Ship Repair & Maintenance Engineer |
Engineering diploma/degree; 3+ yrs in ship repair/dry dock operations. |
|
Marine Technician |
Technical diploma (ITI/Polytechnic) in marine/mechanical/electrical trades; hands-on experience. |
|
Welding Specialist |
Trade certification in welding; knowledge of MIG/TIG/arc welding; marine welding certification preferred. |
|
Fabrication Specialist |
Diploma/Certification in fabrication or metalwork; 2–3 yrs experience in ship components. |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
Engineering diploma/degree; knowledge of ISO, IMO, and classification society standards. |
|
Marine Safety Officer |
STCW certification; safety management training; experience in shipyard safety compliance. |
|
Dockyard Supervisor |
Diploma/degree in marine/mechanical engineering; 5 yrs supervisory experience in shipyards. |
|
Ship Production Planner |
Degree/Diploma in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering; project scheduling and ERP knowledge. |
|
CAD Designer (Marine Structures) |
Diploma in CAD/AutoCAD/Marine Design; 2–3 yrs drafting/designing experience. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator |
Degree/Diploma in Logistics/Procurement; experience in marine supply chain. |
|
Marine Electrician |
Electrical trade certification; 2–3 yrs experience in ship electrical systems. |
|
Marine Plumber & Pipefitter |
Trade qualification in plumbing/pipefitting; experience in marine fluid systems. |
|
Rigger (Shipbuilding) |
Trade certification in rigging/lifting; safety certification; shipyard rigging experience. |
|
Apprentice / Trainee (Shipyard) |
High school/technical diploma; basic knowledge of marine trades; willingness to learn. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
3–5 years in ship design, stability analysis, and structural engineering. |
|
Marine Engineer |
3–5 years in ship machinery, propulsion, and onboard systems. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
2–4 years in CAD/3D modeling and marine structural design. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Marine) |
2–4 years in machinery design, maintenance, or marine systems. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
2–4 years in marine electrical systems, automation, or controls. |
|
Shipyard Project Manager |
7–10 years in shipbuilding projects, including 3–5 years in leadership roles. |
|
Ship Repair & Maintenance Engineer |
3–5 years in ship repair, dry-docking, and retrofitting. |
|
Marine Technician |
2–3 years in marine machinery, electrical, or hydraulic systems. |
|
Welding Specialist |
2–3 years in MIG/TIG/arc welding; prior shipyard or heavy fabrication experience. |
|
Fabrication Specialist |
2–3 years in fabrication and metalworking in shipyards or related industries. |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
3–5 years in QC/QA, inspections, and classification society standards. |
|
Marine Safety Officer |
3–5 years in safety management, preferably in maritime or heavy industries. |
|
Dockyard Supervisor |
5–7 years in shipyard operations, including team leadership. |
|
Ship Production Planner |
3–5 years in production planning, scheduling, and ERP tools. |
|
CAD Designer (Marine Structures) |
2–3 years in CAD/AutoCAD/Marine drafting. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator |
2–4 years in logistics, procurement, or marine supply chain. |
|
Marine Electrician |
2–3 years in electrical maintenance, preferably shipboard or shipyard. |
|
Marine Plumber & Pipefitter |
2–3 years in plumbing/pipefitting, ideally in marine environments. |
|
Rigger (Shipbuilding) |
2–3 years in rigging, lifting, and shipyard operations. |
|
Apprentice / Trainee (Shipyard) |
0–1 year; training provided on the job. |
Company Name |
Specialization |
Hiring Notes for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
Devonport Naval Base (Royal New Zealand Navy) |
Defense ship maintenance, upgrades, and machinery systems |
Often hires through defense contractors; requires security and technical clearance. |
|
McMullen & Wing (Auckland) |
Superyacht and custom vessel building |
Known for hiring skilled international designers, engineers, and fabricators. |
|
Pride Marine Group (NZ operations) |
Marine engineering and boat manufacturing |
Takes international candidates with experience in marine mechanics and systems. |
|
Lomocean Design (Auckland) |
Naval architecture and ship design consultancy |
Hires naval architects, CAD designers, and engineers from abroad. |
|
Yachting Developments (Auckland) |
Luxury yacht construction and refits |
Seeks international tradespeople, fabricators, and marine electricians. |
|
Fitzroy Yachts (New Plymouth) |
High-end yacht building |
Attracts foreign designers, marine carpenters, and mechanical specialists. |
|
HamiltonJet (Christchurch) |
Marine propulsion systems (waterjets) |
Recruits international engineers and technicians for R&D and production. |
|
Circa Marine & Industrial (Whangarei) |
Commercial vessels, custom boats, and aluminum ships |
Welcomes international welders, fabricators, and marine engineers. |
|
Profab Central Engineering (Palmerston North) |
Fishing vessels, patrol boats, and workboats |
Known to sponsor visas for skilled trades like welders and pipefitters. |
|
Shipco 360 (NZ-wide) |
Ship repair, maintenance, and project management |
Engages international candidates for dry-docking and machinery repair work. |
|
Stabicraft Marine (Invercargill) |
Aluminum boat manufacturing |
Open to hiring skilled welders and fabrication specialists from overseas. |
|
Oceania Marine (Whangarei) |
Superyacht and commercial ship refits |
Frequently recruits international marine technicians and project staff. |
|
New Zealand Ship Repair (Auckland) |
Ship repair, retrofitting, and servicing |
Requires international engineers, fitters, and safety officers. |
|
Seahorse Equipment (NZ) |
Marine machinery, propulsion, and hydraulic systems |
Hires engineers and technicians for machinery design and servicing. |
|
Marine Industrial Design (Auckland) |
Naval architecture and engineering consultancy |
Employs overseas naval architects and marine engineers on projects. |
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (NZD / USD / INR) |
General Requirements |
Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
95,000 / 57,000 / ₹4,750,000 |
Bachelor’s in Naval Architecture/Marine Engg; 3–5 yrs experience; CAD skills; NZQA recognition |
Designs ship hulls, ensures stability & safety |
Lomocean Design, Marine Industrial Design |
|
Marine Engineer |
90,000 / 54,000 / ₹4,500,000 |
Bachelor’s in Marine/Mechanical Engg; STCW preferred; 3–5 yrs experience |
Maintains propulsion, engines, machinery |
HamiltonJet, Circa Marine |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
88,000 / 52,800 / ₹4,400,000 |
Engg degree/diploma; CAD/3D modeling; 2–4 yrs exp. |
Prepares ship design drawings & 3D models |
McMullen & Wing, Yachting Developments |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Marine) |
85,000 / 51,000 / ₹4,250,000 |
Mechanical Engg degree; 2–4 yrs exp. |
Works on turbines, pumps, auxiliary machinery |
Profab Central Engineering, Stabicraft |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
84,000 / 50,400 / ₹4,200,000 |
Electrical/Electronics Engg; marine systems knowledge |
Installs & maintains ship electrical systems |
HamiltonJet, Oceania Marine |
|
Shipyard Project Manager |
110,000 / 66,000 / ₹5,500,000 |
Engg degree + PMP; 7–10 yrs exp. |
Manages projects, budgets, schedules |
Oceania Marine, Devonport Naval Base |
|
Ship Repair & Maintenance Engineer |
78,000 / 46,800 / ₹3,900,000 |
Engg diploma/degree; 3+ yrs exp. |
Supervises dry-docking, repairs, retrofits |
New Zealand Ship Repair, Shipco 360 |
|
Marine Technician |
65,000 / 39,000 / ₹3,250,000 |
Technical diploma/ITI; 2–3 yrs exp. |
Provides machinery & hydraulic system support |
Circa Marine, Oceania Marine |
|
Welding Specialist |
60,000 / 36,000 / ₹3,000,000 |
Trade certification; MIG/TIG/arc exp. |
Welds ship hulls & structures |
Profab Central, Stabicraft Marine |
|
Fabrication Specialist |
62,000 / 37,200 / ₹3,100,000 |
Diploma/Certification in fabrication; 2–3 yrs exp. |
Fabricates & assembles ship parts |
Circa Marine, Yachting Developments |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
70,000 / 42,000 / ₹3,500,000 |
Engg diploma/degree; QA/QC knowledge |
Ensures compliance with ISO, IMO, class rules |
HamiltonJet, Fitzroy Yachts |
|
Marine Safety Officer |
75,000 / 45,000 / ₹3,750,000 |
STCW certification; safety mgmt training |
Ensures maritime safety compliance |
Devonport Naval Base, Oceania Marine |
|
Dockyard Supervisor |
80,000 / 48,000 / ₹4,000,000 |
Diploma/degree; 5–7 yrs exp. |
Oversees daily shipyard operations |
Shipco 360, New Zealand Ship Repair |
|
Ship Production Planner |
77,000 / 46,200 / ₹3,850,000 |
Degree/Diploma; ERP & scheduling skills |
Prepares shipbuilding schedules & plans |
Oceania Marine, McMullen & Wing |
|
CAD Designer (Marine Structures) |
72,000 / 43,200 / ₹3,600,000 |
CAD/AutoCAD diploma; 2–3 yrs exp. |
Drafts design blueprints & 3D models |
Marine Industrial Design, Lomocean |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator |
68,000 / 40,800 / ₹3,400,000 |
Diploma in Logistics/Procurement; 2–4 yrs exp. |
Manages marine supply & spare parts |
HamiltonJet, Stabicraft |
|
Marine Electrician |
66,000 / 39,600 / ₹3,300,000 |
Electrical trade cert.; 2–3 yrs exp. |
Installs/repairs electrical systems |
New Zealand Ship Repair, Circa Marine |
|
Marine Plumber & Pipefitter |
64,000 / 38,400 / ₹3,200,000 |
Plumbing/Pipefitting trade cert. |
Installs ship fluid systems (fuel/water) |
Profab Central Engineering, Oceania |
|
Rigger (Shipbuilding) |
58,000 / 34,800 / ₹2,900,000 |
Rigging/lifting trade cert.; safety cert. |
Handles ropes, cranes, heavy lifting |
Shipco 360, Devonport Naval Base |
|
Apprentice / Trainee (Shipyard) |
45,000 / 27,000 / ₹2,250,000 |
Technical diploma; basic marine knowledge |
Assists seniors & gains practical training |
McMullen & Wing, Stabicraft Marine |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Key Features for Shipbuilding & Machinery Workers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
Job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration NZ; relevant skills/experience |
Up to 3 years (renewable) |
Most common pathway for welders, marine engineers, electricians, and technicians. Employer sponsorship required. |
|
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa |
Points-based system (age, qualifications, experience, job offer); skills in demand |
Permanent Residence |
Suitable for engineers, naval architects, and highly experienced professionals in shipbuilding. |
|
Critical Purpose Visitor Visa |
For urgent, short-term, or critical workers in NZ industries |
Short-term (up to 6 months) |
Allows entry for specialized marine engineers/technicians for urgent ship repair projects. |
|
Essential Skills Work Visa (being phased into AEWV) |
Job offer in a skill-shortage area; proof no locals available |
1–3 years |
Previously used for shipyard workers and trades; now mostly replaced by AEWV. |
|
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Pathway) |
Occupation listed on New Zealand’s Green List; skilled experience required |
Pathway to Residence |
Relevant for marine engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers if listed. |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
International graduates from NZ institutions |
1–3 years |
Allows engineering and marine graduates from NZ universities to work in shipbuilding firms. |
|
Partnership-Based Work Visa |
Partner/spouse of NZ resident or work visa holder |
Matches sponsor’s visa duration |
Can work in shipyards or marine industries without employer sponsorship. |
|
Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa (LTSSL) |
Skills not readily available in NZ; job offer required |
2–3 years (with residence pathway) |
Useful if shipbuilding/marine engineering roles are recognized under LTSSL. |
