Automation Test Engineer

Tait International Limited; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Onsite parking

Gym onsite facilities

Café on site

Long service benefits

Social club

Job summary

Tait Communications is seeking a Test Engineer to design, build, and support production test systems across the electronics and manufacturing landscape. The role involves hands-on hardware and software development, collaboration with product development, and driving improvements in test capability and efficiency.

The successful candidate will have experience in analogue/digital/RF design, programming in Python/C, and familiarity with microcontrollers such as Arduino.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in electronics or related field, plus hands-on design and testing experience.
• Experience designing and supporting production test equipment for electronics.
• Proficient in Python/C and hands-on hardware debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and commission production test jigs and equipment.
• Develop hardware and software solutions to meet manufacturing test requirements.
• Support and maintain existing test systems and equipment.
• Diagnose faults, resolve technical issues, and minimise production downtime.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Manufacturing teams to define test requirements and deliver effective solutions.
• Drive continuous improvements to test capability, quality, and efficiency.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Participate in an on-call roster, with standby and call-out allowances provided.

Skills

Python

C

VB

Arduino

RF circuitry

Troubleshooting

PCB development

Manufacturing systems

Education

Electronics Engineering degree

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

PCB development tools

Electronics assembly

Job description

We Go Beyond for A Safer World Te Tūranga - The Role

Join a small but dedicated team designing, building, and supporting the test systems that help deliver world‑class communication technology used around the globe. At Tait, our products help organisations stay connected when communication matters most. As a Test Engineer, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability by developing and supporting the test systems used throughout manufacturing. This is a varied, hands‑on role where you'll work across electronics, software, and manufacturing, solving technical challenges, supporting production, and contributing to the successful introduction of new products. As a member of our Test Engineering team, you'll design, build, maintain, and improve production test equipment used across our manufacturing operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, building, and commissioning production test jigs and equipment.
• Developing hardware and software solutions to meet manufacturing test requirements.
• Supporting and maintaining existing test systems and equipment.
• Diagnosing faults, resolving technical issues, and minimising production downtime.
• Collaborating with Product Development and Manufacturing teams to define test requirements and deliver effective solutions.
• Driving continuous improvements to test capability, quality, and efficiency.
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation.
• Participating in an on‑call roster, with standby and call‑out allowances provided.

About You

You're a practical, solutions‑focused engineer who enjoys getting hands‑on and tackling complex technical challenges. You can balance day‑to‑day production support with project work and enjoy working closely with others to deliver great outcomes.

What you'll bring:

• Experience with electronic design, including analogue, digital, and RF circuitry.
• Software development experience using languages such as Python, C, or VB.
• Experience working with microcontrollers or single‑board computers, such as Arduino.
• Strong troubleshooting, fault‑finding, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with test equipment, electronics assembly, PCB development, or manufacturing systems.
• A collaborative approach and a continuous improvement mindset.
• A tertiary qualification in Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.

Benefits

• We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers.
• We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together.
• We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high‑performance culture.
• We prioritise your wellbeing through health insurance, annual flu vaccinations and extra sick leave in your first year.
• We provide a comfortable work environment through modern office facilities with free onsite parking, gym, and café.
• We recognise your commitment through long service benefits.
• We balance work with fun through our active social club!

About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering, and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now have a network of customers and offices that spans the globe. Our employees value being part of a creative team committed to providing technological solutions that make a real difference to the communities we support. By joining Tait, you'll be joining a community of people with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, who care deeply about their work and the genuine impact it has for our customers, and who support each other to grow and develop.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tait Communications is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.