Junior Design Engineer - Summer Intern

Location
Head Office, Christchurch
Workplace
On-site

About this role

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

Join our Axiom Engineering team this summer and work on a project focused on exploring how Artificial Intelligence can shape the future of mission-critical communications technology. Working alongside experienced engineers and product teams, you'll contribute to a range of innovative AI initiatives that have the potential to improve customer experiences, accelerate software development, and unlock new product capabilities.

Depending on project priorities and your interests, you may work across a variety of areas including:

  • AI-Powered Help & Chatbot Innovation: Design and prototype intelligent help experiences that improve usability, reduce customer effort, and help users find information more quickly and effectively.

  • Machine Learning for Audio Processing: Explore machine learning techniques to enhance the user experience of Tait's PTToX voice applications and help introduce ML capabilities into future products.

  • Edge AI on Portable Radios: Investigate how AI can be deployed directly on devices, evaluating hardware capabilities and developing proof-of-concept solutions for portable radio platforms.

  • AI-Assisted Software Engineering: Develop and evaluate local Large Language Model (LLM) solutions that help analyse CI test failures, support code reviews, automate issue triage, and improve engineering productivity.

Throughout the internship, you'll gain hands-on experience applying AI technologies to real-world challenges, researching emerging technologies, building prototypes, and presenting your findings to stakeholders. You'll have the opportunity to help shape how AI is integrated into Tait's future products, services, and development processes.

Ō pūkenga - About You

This opportunity is ideal for a curious and motivated student who is passionate about emerging technologies and excited by the opportunity to apply AI in practical, real-world environments.

You may be studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline, and be excited by the opportunity to work across to work across AI-powered user experiences, machine learning, edge AI, and AI-assisted software engineering. We’re looking for someone who has:

  • Strong programming skills, particularly in Python.

  • An interest in AI, machine learning, and large language models (LLMs).

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

  • An interest in software development, automation, and improving user experiences.

  • Exposure to tools and practices such as Git, CI/CD, Linux, or Docker.

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively

  • A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for experimenting with new ideas in a rapidly evolving field.

Experience with mobile application development, audio processing, speech technologies or machine leaning applications would be advantageous, but it's not essential. Most importantly, you're eager to learn, enjoy tackling technical challenges, and are excited to gain hands-on experience working on products used in critical communications environments 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 recruitment@taitcommunications.com 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.


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Top Benefits

  • Professional development
  • Mentorship from experienced engineers
  • Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology