Automation Systems Engineer

Silver Fern Farms Ltd; Takapau; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms Takapau is seeking an Automation Systems Engineer to maintain and install industrial automation across a large food processing site. You will lead PLC/SCADA initiatives, support HMI design, and ensure electrical safety compliance.

The role demands strong communication, time management, and an NZCE (Electrical) or equivalent qualification. Monday–Friday, 7am–4pm, at our Takapau site with opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• NZCE (Electrical) or tertiary IT/engineering qualification.
• Broad-based experience in industrial automation focusing on PLCs, VSDs, SCADA and Rockwell.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, databases; CAD knowledge preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with SCADA (Ignition preferred), HMI design, commissioning and machine safety.
• Confidence in electrical system design and adherence to AS/NZS, IEC, NFPA standards.
• LV wiring and troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and install industrial automation equipment and systems on site.
• Collaborate with site teams to ensure reliability, safety and uptime.
• Support commissioning of new equipment and SCADA developments.

Skills

PLCs, VSDs, SCADA

Rockwell Automation

PC hardware & LANs

Microsoft Office & databases

SCADA development & HMI

Electrical system design (AS/NZS, IEC,

LV wiring & troubleshooting

Education

NZCE (Electrical) or tertiary IT/engineering

Tools

CAD

Ignition/SCADA software

Job description

Te Tūranga /About The Role

Silver Fern Farms Takapau have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled tradesperson to join as an Automation Systems Engineer. This role is responsible for the maintenance and installation of industrial automation equipment and systems in our large food processing site. You will have strong communication, effective time management, and an electrical qualification at Level 4 or higher, with PLC/automation experience preferred. This role is Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7am to 4pm.

• Broad-based experience or a sound knowledge of industrial automation with a particular emphasis on PLCs, VSDs, SCADA, Rockwell Automation and PC hardware & software.
• Hold an NZCE (Electrical) or tertiary IT or engineering qualification.
• Computer literacy - proficiency in the use of Microsoft (Word, Excel), Data bases, and preferably CAD
• A good working knowledge of PC hardware and LANs
• Demonstrates excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with SCADA development (ignition preferred), HMI design, commissioning, and machine safety.
• Confidence in electrical system design and relevant standards (AS/NZS, IEC, NFPA).
• LV wiring and troubleshooting experience.

Te Tūranga /About The Role

Silver Fern Farms Takapau have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled tradesperson to join as an Automation Systems Engineer. This role is responsible for the maintenance and installation of industrial automation equipment and systems in our large food processing site. You will have strong communication, effective time management, and an electrical qualification at Level 4 or higher, with PLC/automation experience preferred. This role is Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7am to 4pm.

• Broad-based experience or a sound knowledge of industrial automation with a particular emphasis on PLCs, VSDs, SCADA, Rockwell Automation and PC hardware & software.
• Hold an NZCE (Electrical) or tertiary IT or engineering qualification.
• Computer literacy - proficiency in the use of Microsoft (Word, Excel), Data bases, and preferably CAD
• A good working knowledge of PC hardware and LANs
• Demonstrates excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with SCADA development (ignition preferred), HMI design, commissioning, and machine safety.
• Confidence in electrical system design and relevant standards (AS/NZS, IEC, NFPA).
• LV wiring and troubleshooting experience.

Ōu Pūkenga /About You

• Broad-based experience or a sound knowledge of industrial automation with a particular emphasis on PLCs, VSDs, SCADA, Rockwell Automation and PC hardware & software.
• Hold an NZCE (Electrical) or tertiary IT or engineering qualification.
• Computer literacy - proficiency in the use of Microsoft (Word, Excel), Data bases, and preferably CAD
• A good working knowledge of PC hardware and LANs
• Demonstrates excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with SCADA development (ignition preferred), HMI design, commissioning, and machine safety.
• Confidence in electrical system design and relevant standards (AS/NZS, IEC, NFPA).
• LV wiring and troubleshooting experience.

Te Ahurea /Why work at Silver Fern Farms?

Silver Fern Farms are all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. Creating goodness is about taking a broader view of what goodness means, how we can create it and the impact it can have. That Goodness is created through the work of our People, the skill & expertise of our Farmers and our customers around the globe. ‘Goodness’ is also about being good to people and communities, animal welfare, and showing care and respect for the environment.

For you, we offer discounted staff meat sales and confidential employee assistance with career planning, financial advice and counselling.

Applications close 16th October 2026.

We are open to those that would need to relocate within New Zealand for this role, assistance could be provided (specifications apply).

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us.