Automation Engineer

Groundline Engineering Ltd.; Hastings; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in New Zealand is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design and implement control systems for industrial equipment. You will work on exciting projects across various sectors, delivering innovative automation solutions. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering and strong experience in PLC and HMI programming. Join a progressive organization that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Supportive team environment

Recognition of work and accomplishments

Qualifications

• Proven experience in industrial automation and control systems design and commissioning.
• Strong capability in PLC and HMI programming on various platforms.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites for commissioning and support.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for industrial equipment.
• Deliver innovative and reliable automation solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Mentor developing engineers and own project outcomes from concept to delivery.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Industrial automation

Control systems design

Communication protocols

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or higher qualification in Electrical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)

Job description

The Opportunity

As an experienced Automation Engineer with a passion for control systems and industrial automation, you will take a hands‑on approach to designing, programming, and commissioning intelligent process control solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills to complex turnkey projects across the industrial processing and bulk materials handling sectors. With strong forward workload and multiple challenging projects underway, there has never been a better time to join this thriving engineering business. If you enjoy leading automation projects from design concept through to commissioning, working closely with customers and multidisciplinary teams, this could be the next rewarding step in your engineering career.

What will I be doing?

You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems for bespoke industrial equipment and processing plants. Your day‑to‑day work will encompass control system design, PLC and HMI programming, system integration, and on‑site commissioning support. Working collaboratively within a small, highly skilled team, you will deliver innovative, reliable, and commercial automation solutions tailored to customer needs. The role offers considerable variety, with the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement, mentor developing engineers, and take ownership of project outcomes from concept through to delivery.

What will you bring

• Bachelor's or higher qualification in Electrical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering
• Proven experience in industrial automation and control systems design and commissioning
• Strong capability in PLC and HMI programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
• Experience with SCADA systems, instrumentation, and variable speed drives (VSDs)
• Practical understanding of process control, motor control, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)
• Familiarity with electrical design standards and safety regulations (AS/NZS 3000 and related codes)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal engineering teams
• A motivated, pragmatic problem solver focused on delivering practical automation outcomes
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites for commissioning and technical support

The organisation

Our client is a successful and growing New Zealand listed company that designs and supplies automated systems and equipment for a range of industrial processing and manufacturing sectors. With an international customer base across Australasia, North and South America and Europe they have built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Their Christchurch business includes a diverse product range with this role primarily being focused on the design, development and delivery of industrial bulk materials handling systems, pressure vessels, structures and tanks.

You will benefit from

• A competitive remuneration package
• The opportunity to be part of a very progressive, supportive and successful organisation
• Enjoy a great team environment where your work and accomplishments are recognised and your ideas and input is listened to.

Please submit your application online or email [e-mail]

Alternatively call Matt Love‑Smith on 0221017007 for an informal discussion and more information.