About WAE Engineering
Local, reliable, and proudly hands-on – WAE is a trusted name in Otago and Southland engineering. We’re a multi-skilled and community-rooted engineering company with decades of experience supporting councils, contractors, manufacturers, and transport operators across Dunedin and beyond.
Whether it’s mechanical maintenance, structural steel fabrication or complex shutdowns, WAE Engineering is dedicated to delivering high-quality work with a no-fuss approach. Our responsive team is committed to making your project as seamless and straightforward as possible.
About WAE Engineering
Our Story: A legacy built in Otago
Our Story: A legacy built in Otago
Founded as Waikouaiti Auto & Engineering by Kevin Byrne in 1988, WAE began as a small-town automotive workshop serving the public, local farmers, and small companies in the East Otago area. As demand grew, so did our capabilities – and today, we’re a team of 90 operating from multiple sites across Waikouaiti, Dunedin, Palmerston and Balclutha.
Our end-to-end engineering services include everything from general automotive, onsite structural steel and stainless steel fabrication, pipe fitting and mobile line boring, right through to a fully fitted out machine shop and more.
We’re still owned and operated in Otago, as well as Southland – and just like the early days, our approach hasn’t changed: we stay close to the work, keep services inhouse, and build long-term partnerships with clients who value reliability, skill, and a hands-on approach. Our work spans sectors including construction, industrial, mining, earth moving, councils, agricultural, and heavy transport, and we’ve earned the trust of long-term clients.
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Our connection to the region goes beyond being locally based – it's about actively contributing to the communities we serve.
We’re proud to invest in the region through:
Sponsorships and partnerships with local organisations
Supporting community events and local sports
Providing apprenticeships and jobs for local workers - Rapid-response support for essential infrastructure, council, and emergency jobs
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We believe good engineering starts with good people. WAE is proudly local – and proudly diverse. We welcome people from all cultures and communities who bring the skills, mindset, and commitment to do the job right.
Our culture is hands-on, collaborative problem-solving, and built on showing up – not just for the job, but for each other.
Careers at WAE
We’re always looking for skilled people who take pride in doing the job right. Whether you’re an experienced tradesperson, a graduate mechanical engineer, or someone keen to learn a new skill, WAE offers opportunities to grow in a team that values reliability, respect, and hands-on problem solving.
We’re proud to offer:
Long-term career paths with real progression
Engineering, mechanical and construction apprenticeships and training for our workers
Diverse, multi-skilled projects across Otago and Southland
Supportive and collaborative culture that values showing up and doing the work well
We're more than just one of the best engineering companies in Dunedin and the wider region – we're part of the community, and we're committed to building a strong future with the people who live and work here.
Want to work somewhere that backs its people?
Let’s Talk
If you’re looking for a local, reliable and trusted engineering partner committed to quality, efficiency, and seamless project delivery, WAE Engineering is here to help.