Automation & Controls Engineer

Caliber Design Ltd; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Hybrid and flexible working

Competitive rates with overtime

Continuous learning & development

Job summary

Caliber Design Ltd is expanding its automation and electrical engineering capability in Canterbury, NZ, offering long-term roles for experienced automation/control engineers. You will shape concepts, develop PLC/HMI software, design with EPLAN, and commission systems on diverse industrial projects.

We value practical problem solving, collaboration with clients and engineers, and a culture of continuous learning. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering automation and control systems from concept to commissioning.
• Strong background in industrial automation and PLC/HMI development.
• Experience with EPLAN or similar electrical CAD tools.
• Experience commissioning automated machinery.
• Ability to collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation concepts and detailed designs for client projects.
• Program PLCs and HMIs and integrate control systems with machinery.
• Commission and trial automated production lines in live environments.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting post-installation.
• Establish best practices for electrical design and automation within Caliber.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical design

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

EPLAN

PLC/SCADA software

Job description

About Caliber

Caliber Design (www.caliberdesign.co.nz) connects experienced engineers with innovative companies that need practical engineering expertise.

Our engineers work alongside client teams to develop products, design machinery, and solve complex technical challenges across manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectors.

We are known for the strength of our mechanical engineering capability, and as our clients increasingly require automation and control systems expertise, we are expanding our team to support this growing demand.

• Help build and shape a new engineering capability within an established consultancy

• Work across diverse industries and challenging engineering projects

• Collaborate with a highly experienced team of engineers

• A culture that values curiosity, practical problem solving, and continuous learning

The Role

You will help establish and grow our automation and electrical engineering capability.

You will work directly with clients and Caliber engineers to drive automation projects forward -whether that is shaping early concepts, developing intricate designs or navigating complex commissioning. Typically, you will be the specialist who helps get challenging projects over the line.

Your work will include:

• Electrical design and documentation using EPLAN or similar software

• Development of PLC and HMI software for industrial automation systems

• Integration of control systems with automated machinery

• Commissioning automated production systems and equipment

• Troubleshooting and technical support for installed systems

• Helping establish best practices for electrical design and automation within Caliber

About You

You are an experienced automation or control systems engineer who enjoys technical problem-solving, mastering new procedures, and deploying your specialist knowledge to fast-track projects and raise the bar on results.

You will likely bring:

• Experience developing complete automation and control systems from concept through to commissioning

• Strong background in industrial automation and PLC programming

• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and servo systems

• Electrical design experience using EPLAN or similar electrical CAD tools

• Experience commissioning automated machinery

• The ability to work collaboratively with both clients and multidisciplinary engineering teams

You will also have:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics

• Strong knowledge of industrial automation and control systems

Why Join Caliber?

Our engineers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis.

We offer:

• Competitive hourly rates, plus overtime and KiwiSaver

• Typical earnings in the range of $110,000 to $140,000 per annum equivalent (including, overtime), depending on experience

• Time and a half for every hour worked over 40 each week

• A structured learning and development program focused on practical capability and growth

• A supportive culture with regular social and technical catchups, and access to a national network of experienced engineers

• Medical, life, and total and permanent disability insurance after 6 months

• Access to an employee assistance program

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where project and client needs allow

Want to understand how we work and what it’s like to be part of the team?

Watch our Working at Caliber video: https://youtu.be/UjyvkHW-LaU