Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer – Turnkey Materials Handling & Packaging Systems | HastingsJoin 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 RoleYou'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 YouYou'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

• , FactoryTalk 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 $110K-$120K 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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