Published 2025-10-19
Automation Engineer – Turnkey Materials Handling & Packaging Systems | Hastings
Join a leading New Zealand equipment manufacturer, designing and delivering world-class robotic and materials-handling systems for the dairy, meat, and food sectors. Based in Hastings, this site develops and exports full turnkey solutions across New Zealand, Australia, and global markets including the US, UK, China, and Japan.
You’ll be part of a capable automation team delivering everything from electrical design and build through to commissioning, testing, and operator training. Projects typically range from 14 weeks to 12 months and involve high levels of technical ownership and collaboration across disciplines.
The Role
You’ll: Take projects from handover through commissioning and customer sign-off
Develop and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Rockwell / Allen Bradley)
Program and integrate robotic systems (ABB, Fanuc)
Conduct FAT testing and prepare operator documentation and drawings
Commission systems on customer sites overseas (up to 4 trips per year, 1-3 weeks)
Train operators and support site acceptance testing
Collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams
About You
You’ll have: 3-5+ years’ experience as an automation engineer in materials handling, packaging, or system integration
Strong knowledge of Rockwell / Allen Bradley platforms (Studio 5000, Factory Talk ME & SE, Ignition SCADA)
Robotics experience (ABB / Fanuc) and understanding of drive systems
Proficiency in Ladder Logic; Structured text, Python, C or C++ is a bonus
Excellent communication and documentation skills, including operator training experience
Willingness to travel and take ownership of project outcomes
What’s on Offer Hourly rate equivalent to $110 K-$120 K per annum for 40 hours / week, plus paid overtime
Travel allowance ($95 per day), paid travel hours (up to 10 per day), and all expenses covered
Real project ownership, technical variety, and long-term development opportunities
Supportive, collaborative team culture with mentoring from experienced engineers
This is a hands-on role suited to an automation engineer who enjoys seeing their work come to life in complex, high-performance automation systems – both in the workshop and on-site.
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