AI Integration & Research Specialist

We are seeking an AI Integration & Research Specialist to lead the application of artificial intelligence in certification and engineering-related processes. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced AI engineer to shape how AI is applied in a compliance-driven, technically demanding environment - working at the intersection of innovation, research, and industry application.

About Us

The Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) creates value through collaboration, serving as the industry’s catalyst for research, innovation, and development in the metals-based sector. We are a strongly values-driven organisation, promoting diversity within a respectful, equal-opportunity culture.

About the Role

This role is focused on integrating AI into administrative workflows, supporting research teams in data-driven experiments, and supervising AI training pipelines. It supports HERA’s Fabrication 4.0 Division with AI applications in the areas of R&D, certifications, inspections and applications development. This versatile role offers flexible working hours based at HERA’s headquarters in Auckland and involves regular travel to client sites.

About You

You are enthusiastic about AI applications and motivated by their potential to transform industries, with a strong curiosity for applying AI in new and practical ways, especially in complex, compliance-driven environments. You enjoy working with cross-disciplinary teams and learning from subject matter experts, and you take pride in building AI systems that are reliable, explainable, and impactful. You are comfortable leading projects, mentoring teams, and translating technical concepts into real-world solutions.

Key Responsibilities

AI Development & Integration

• Design and implement AI-driven solutions to optimise certification and administrative processes.
• Develop expert and rule-based systems to codify engineering standards and workflows.
• Build and deploy LLM-based applications for inspections, weld quality analysis, and documentation review.
• Create applications and APIs to integrate AI with engineering and enterprise software.
• Establish structured prompt engineering practices and reusable prompt libraries for certification and inspection tasks.

Research & Experimentation

Member & Stakeholder Support

Qualifications & Experience

Required :

Preferred :

What HERA Offers

Additional requirements

The successful candidate must pass professional interviews, as well as drug, medical, and MOJ checks.

Applications

Please apply through Seek via the "Apply" button. Your application MUST include your CV, cover letter, and a copy of your qualifications.

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