Automation & Maintenance Engineer

Metro Performance Glass Ltd; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Metro Performance Glass is seeking an Automation & Maintenance Engineer for our Christchurch plant. The role focuses on maintaining stability and performance of production systems, troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs, and driving process optimization using Industry 4.0 and data-driven approaches.

Reporting to the Reliability Engineering Manager, you will support operations, manage external vendors, and work on projects to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve energy use and throughput.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Electrical/Automation or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience actively using and maintaining production systems.
• Strong knowledge of glass industry automation systems and machinery is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor production systems and respond to incidents to restore services quickly.
• Troubleshoot software, PLCs, HMIs and ancillary machines; optimize processes.
• Collaborate with operations to reduce downtime, improve quality and throughput.

Skills

Electrical systems

PLC diagnostics

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial automation

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in Electrical/Automation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Beckhoff

Allen-Bradley

LISEC systems

Job description

Automation & Maintenance Engineer - Christchurch

Metro Performance Glass has been shaping the future of glass in New Zealand for nearly 40 years. We’re proud of our reputation for innovation, quality, but what really sets us apart is our people and our dedication to delivering excellent service to our customers.

We are on the lookout for an Automation & Maintenacne Engineer for our Christchurch plant.

Reporting to the Reliability Engineering Manager, the primary focus of this role is maintaining the stability and performance of our Christchurch factory production systems. This role involves monitoring systems, responding to incidents, resolving issues, and ensuring that services are restored quickly when problems occur. Work closely with operations teams to identify and resolve any issues by troubleshooting of software, PLCs, HMIs, ancillary machines, and contribute to process optimization by leveraging industrial automation, Industry 4.0, and data-driven solutions. By enhancing plant automation, this role will reduce downtime, improve quality, optimize energy usage, and increase throughput. Manage relationships with external providers / vendors focusing on reducing downtime due to production systems outages.

The role ensures efficient, safe, and reliable operation of equipment—particularly LISEC, Glaston and Forel machinery and integrated glass processing lines. The engineer will work closely with online support centres and technical experts from our machinery providers to deliver technical expertise in troubleshooting, and process improvement, while supporting production teams to achieve operational excellence.

It is also pivotal in enhancing manufacturing processes, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and overall process optimization. Deep dive into existing production workflows to identify areas for improvement, leveraging data analysis, and lean manufacturing principles. Work and implement projects that enhance production efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing facilities.

We are very keen to hear from candidates with demonstrable skills / experience including:

• Tertiary qualification, preferably in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics OR alternatively, at least 5 years' experience actively using and maintaining production systems
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of glass industry automation systems and associated machinery advantageous
• Proficiency in PLC diagnostics (e.g., Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA development
• Proven experience in controls and automation engineering within the glass industry
• Superior communication skills - can work with all walks of life!
• Attended to planned maintenance work, break-down repairs and the installation of new and existing plant equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Proven track record working in a high volume/high paced production environment
• Direct working knowledge of automation equipment, HMI and PLC's required
• Hands-on experience with LISEC systems is essential
• Familiarity with other glass machinery (Glaston, Bystronic, etc.) advantageous
• Demonstrated success in implementing automation upgrades, troubleshooting, and process optimisation
• Knowledge of safety standards (IEC, ISO, AS/NZS, CE marking, machine safeguarding)
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for electrical/automation faults
• Understanding of servo/motion control, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Experience with networking, industrial communications (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to handle pressure and assess and allocate priorities.
• Effective communication skills including proven skills in managing cooperative working relationships and resolving issues by negotiation.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with teams and lead decision-making processes in a team environment
• Able to travel and spend extended periods in different parts of the country for problem solving, implementations and/or upgrades
• Strong ability to be adaptable and flexible.
• Problem solver and be able to grasp the problem at hand and take quick steps to resolve it.
• Can do and willing attitude
• Ability to work productively, efficiently & effectively with initiative and drive under tight timescales and pressure whilst maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to balance production and maintenance needs.
• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel) to analyse data and trends.
• Solid experience in problem analysis and resolution of software problems. Proven ability to function in a self-directed environment.
• Must excel in a fast-paced, agile environment where critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are required for success
• Proposed salary range - $90,000 to $97,000

  This is a permanent, full time (min. 40 hours per week) role. You will work a rotating roster which changes fortnightly and work 8 hour shifts, currently Monday to Friday (5.30am - 2.00pm & 1.30pm - 10.00pm). Saturday work may be required from time to time, along with periodic weekend on call.

  Besides having the opportunity to work for a company that is big enough to provide career advancement opportunities and small enough that you won't get overlooked, we offer competitive salary.

  If this sounds like you, and you are an experienced electrical maintenance engineer then we have a challenging and rewarding opportunity for you to come and make a difference in our fast paced Christchurch manufacturing plant.

  How to apply:

  • If you are looking for your next step to grow your career in the glass installation industry, we want to hear from you.
  • Please click "Apply For this Job", this will take you to our Metro Glass careers page.

  Please note:

  • Metro Glass has a strong commitment to workplace health and safety and the well-being of our people. It will therefore be no surprise to you that prospective candidates will be required to pass a drug test before a formal offer is made and all new employees will be subject to ongoing random tests as part of your employment.
  • Candidates must have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand (be a citizen or resident).