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-offDevelop 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 drawingsCommission systems on customer sites overseas (up to 4 trips per year, 1-3 weeks)Train operators and support site acceptance testingCollaborate 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 integrationStrong knowledge of Rockwell / Allen Bradley platforms (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk ME & SE, Ignition SCADA)Robotics experience (ABB / Fanuc) and understanding of drive systemsProficiency in Ladder Logic; Structured text, Python, C or C++ is a bonusExcellent communication and documentation skills, including operator training experienceWillingness to travel and take ownership of project outcomes What’s on Offer
Hourly rate equivalent to $110K-$120K per annum for 40 hours / week, plus paid overtimeTravel allowance ($95 per day), paid travel hours (up to 10 per day), and all expenses coveredReal project ownership, technical variety, and long-term development opportunitiesSupportive, 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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