Automation Engineer

Tiaki Wai; Lower Hutt; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

WFH flexibility

Wellbeing day

Professional development

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, maintain and optimise automation and data acquisition systems underpinning Wellington Water’s critical infrastructure. This role spans PLC, SCADA, HMI and telemetry to ensure safe, reliable water services across multiple sites.

The successful candidate will manage the full lifecycle, from design through commissioning to maintenance and continuous improvement, including troubleshooting and system integration.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, process engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Around 5+ years’ experience with industrial automation systems (PLC/SCADA/HMI/ telemetry).
• Proven experience delivering automation projects within complex industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain and optimise automation and data acquisition systems.
• Troubleshoot incidents and support system integration and validation.
• Work across PLC, SCADA, HMI and telemetry to deliver safe, compliant water services.
• Visit multiple sites across the Wellington region and collaborate with teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Programming skills

System integration

Data collection

Troubleshooting incidents

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/electronics/mechatronics/process engineering or related field

Tools

PLC/SCADA/HMI/Telemetry

Job description

• Play a key role in delivering and maintaining automation systems that support critical three waters infrastructure across the Wellington region

• Work across a variety of sites, including treatment plants, pump stations and networks, delivering innovative and reliable control system solutions

• Be part of a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement, safety, and ensuring high-quality water services for our communities

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week based in Petone.

Participate in a callout roster about 1 in 8 weeks. A company vehicle is included for business use only. Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience.

The opportunity

As an Automation Engineer, you will design, implement, maintain and optimise automation and data acquisition systems that underpin Wellington Water’s critical infrastructure. This includes working across PLC, SCADA, HMI, and telemetry systems to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

You’ll be involved in the full lifecycle of automation systems — from design and project delivery through to commissioning, maintenance and continuous improvement. The role also includes troubleshooting and responding to incidents, supporting system integration, and ensuring high-quality real-time data flows across operational platforms.

This is a hands-on and varied role where you’ll work closely with operational teams, contractors and stakeholders to deliver robust, future-focused automation solutions that protect public health and the environment. You will visit many sites across the Wellington region, ranging from small roadside control cabinets to large industrial treatment plants.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, process engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience), along with a current NZ driver's licence

• Around 5+ or more years’ experience working with industrial automation systems, including PLC, SCADA, HMI and telemetry platforms

• Proven experience delivering automation projects within complex industrial or process environments

In addition, you will demonstrate:

• Strong programming and configuration skills across control systems, including developing functional design specifications and system documentation

• Solid understanding of engineering principles, control systems, and industrial networks

• Experience with system integration, data collection (historian systems), and interface validation

• The ability to troubleshoot complex issues and respond effectively to incidents and system failures

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to a range of stakeholders

• A collaborative, self-starting approach with a focus on continuous improvement, safety and high performance

• Experience in water or wastewater treatment is advantageous but not essential

Benefits

At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements, including up to 2 days working from home

• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually

• Formal and informal professional development opportunities

• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

About us

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.

We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.

Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.

Applications close: 8th November 2026

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.