Senior Process Engineer
Senior Dairy Process Engineer / Project Manager
This specialist design–build engineering group works across New Zealand delivering practical upgrades, expansions, and process improvements for major dairy processors. They’re known for being straightforward, commercially aware, and focused on solutions that work – not reports that sit on a shelf.
They’re looking for an experienced Dairy Process Engineer who can combine technical design with real project delivery. Someone who enjoys getting on a site, understanding how things actually run, and taking a job from idea to commissioning without layers of corporate overhead.
The Role
You’ll be the engineer who makes things happen: understanding the problem, shaping the concept, pricing the work clearly, and then running the project through to a safe, high-quality finish.
Work spans hygienic processing systems, CIP, dosing, process optimisation, modernisation of ageing assets, and compliance-driven upgrades. The environment is practical, client-facing and varied – no two projects look the same.
You’ll develop engineering solutions, prepare deliverables, coordinate contractors, manage cost and schedule, and oversee commissioning. Clear communication and sound judgement matter as much as technical skill.
The role involves nationwide travel in short bursts, usually overnight and sometimes longer during commissioning stages.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop concepts and practical process solutions for dairy manufacturing
- Prepare engineering documents, scopes, and pricing for client approval
- Lead projects through design, procurement, site delivery and commissioning
- Work with mechanical, electrical, civil and automation contractors
- Monitor cost, schedule, safety and quality across the project lifecycle
- Maintain strong, direct relationships with repeat clients
- Keep project records and reporting aligned to internal systems
About You
You will bring:
- 5+ years’ experience in dairy process engineering
- Solid understanding of hygienic design and dairy unit operations
- Demonstrated project delivery capability
- Strong communication and client engagement skills
- Practical mindset and the ability to resolve issues quickly on site
- A structured approach to documentation, safety and commercial control
- Willingness to travel when needed
This suits a Process Engineer / Project Manager who feels constrained by slow-moving environments and are keen to join a company with high levels of trust.
Why Apply?
- Real autonomy – trusted to run your own projects
- Exposure to the full project lifecycle
- A business that values efficiency, clear communication and sound engineering
- $140-160K base salary
- Long-term stability and a high level of repeat work from established clients
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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