Senior Automation Engineer

|Industrial & Energy - Automation|New Zealand

Senior Automation Engineer – Process Manufacturing | Christchurch

There’s a lot going on at this Christchurch based manufacturer, and they need someone who can own the automation space from the ground up.

This established NZ business processes raw natural fibre into finished product for export markets worldwide – the end uses span a huge range, from textiles through to building materials. The plant is getting upgrades across the board, a new production line is coming online, and there is now a need to bring a permanent, salaried Automation Engineer in-house to drive improvements and oversee future projects.

This is a broad, hands-on role with real technical depth. You’ll be maintaining and optimising existing PLC, HMI, and drive systems, commissioning new equipment, retrofitting legacy plant, and leading automation aspects of ongoing capital projects – including a new line install. There’s no team of specialists to hand off to; you’ll need to be the person who gets things moving and keeps them moving.

What the role involves:

  • Programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, drives, and control systems across processing equipment
  • Leading automation upgrades and retrofits on both legacy and new plant
  • Supporting integration of new machinery, including an incoming production line
  • Developing and maintaining preventative maintenance strategies for automation and control systems
  • Working with production teams to improve uptime, process consistency, and machine efficiency
  • Maintaining accurate system documentation, schematics, and control logic records
  • Occasional day trips to a second Canterbury site – no overnight travel required

What you’ll bring:

  • Solid PLC programming experience – Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar; platform flexibility is more important than brand loyalty
  • Proven background in automation engineering within manufacturing or industrial environments
  • Strong electrical fault-finding capability in an industrial setting
  • Experience with drives, motors, and industrial communication networks
  • Comfortable working autonomously and wearing multiple hats in a lean team
  • Full EWRB Registered Electrician or EST preferred – not essential

Excellent salary package on offer: $135,000 – $140,000 + vehicle

If you would like to join this growing company, then please apply for the role. If you would like some more information, then please reach out to me: Luke Atkinson on 04 333 0383 or luke@trs.co.nz

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