Shipwright

Babcock is looking for a Marine Carpenter / Shipwright to join the team based in Devonport, Auckland.

About the role

Join a high-performing team delivering critical marine maintenance and repair work in a unique shipyard environment. As a Marine Carpenter / Shipwright, you’ll work on complex vessels, applying your trade skills across structural builds, repairs, and installations that directly support operational readiness. This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same, combining craftsmanship with problem-solving in a fast-paced, safety-focused setting.

We’re looking for skilled tradespeople who take pride in quality outcomes and enjoy working collaboratively across disciplines. We welcome applicants from Shipwright, Boatbuilder, or experienced Carpentry backgrounds looking to transition into marine work. If you want to expand your trade into specialised marine applications while contributing to meaningful, high-impact work, this role offers both challenge and development.

• $38 per hour (Level 4 Trade Cert essential)
• 1.5x paid after 40hrs
• 2x paid after 43hrs
• Additional benefits

About you

You’re a skilled tradesperson with strong carpentry or boatbuilding experience and a genuine interest in marine environments. You take ownership of your work, communicate well, and adapt quickly to changing priorities. You’re confident reading plans, solving practical problems, and delivering quality outcomes under pressure. Safety matters to you, and you contribute positively to team performance. Ideally, you’re curious about expanding into ship repair and maintenance, bringing transferable skills and a proactive, can-do mindset to every task.

Key Required Skills

• Marine or structural carpentry expertise
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Fabrication and installation of marine structures and fittings
• Repair and maintenance of timber and composite components
• Problem solving in operational, time-sensitive environments
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Ability to manage workload and prioritise tasks independently
• Confidence working across varied marine and industrial settings

Key Required Qualifications

• Trade Certificate (Level 4) in Boatbuilding, Carpentry, or similar
• Minimum 5 years relevant trade experience
• Full NZ Driver Licence (Class 1 minimum)
• Advanced Trade Certificate (Level 5) or equivalent (desirable)

Your future at Babcock – what we offer you 

• Our work life integration policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, wellbeing leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave plus more;
• We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, supported by our capability framework plus ongoing access to self-led learning modules through LinkedIn Learning and access to study leave;
• You’ll have access to beRewarded which will provide you with endless discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel and much more, plus novated leasing options and corporate shares plan;
• Your wellbeing is supported through our online wellbeing program Munch, Mind, Move, Money, access to our employee assistance program plus you can access two days annually from your personal leave as wellbeing days;
• You’ll be able to participate in our weRecognise program which is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work our people do each and every day in living our principles which are Be kind, Collaborate, Be Curious, Think Outcomes, Be Courageous and Own & Deliver

Who we are

Babcock Australasia combines the best talent and in-country expertise while leveraging the rich 130+ year global heritage of Babcock International Group, a FTSE 100 international defence company.

Our team of 1,800+ experienced staff ensure critical services and assets are readily available, affordable, and future proof. From maritime sustainment and secure communications, to lifesaving helicopter missions and managing critical fleets, we ensure our customers are equipped to fulfil their mission.        

Locally in New Zealand, we are actively growing our team to deliver some key projects for the defence and commercial sectors in Aotearoa.  Our team of over 120 trades people work on the Devonport Naval Base in partnership with our customer, the Royal New Zealand Navy.  As the Navy’s strategic maritime partner, we provide complete maintenance, repair and overhaul services to their entire Navy fleet.  We also undertake ship conversions, life extensions, retrofits and major repairs, in both the drydock and in the water, for our customers.   

So, if you would like to join us and help create a safe and secure world, together, please apply via the Apply Now’ button below.

To learn more about us visit www.babcock.com.au

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experience however, the successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and capable of obtaining a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Security Clearance.

Please note, should your application progress you may be required to complete pre-employment checks. These checks may include but not limited to, reference checks, MOJ, security check, qualifications and right to work.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Job Req #74237