Electrical Engineer (Automation)

Downer Group; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

Technology discounts

Job summary

Downer Group seeks an Electrical Engineer (Automation) to support automating and controlling systems across our industrial and infrastructure projects in New Zealand. You will contribute from design through commissioning, onsite testing, handover and ongoing support, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective outcomes.

The role offers flexibility around location, with preference for candidates based in or willing to relocate to the South Island.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Electrical practising licence or NZ registration eligibility.
• Experience with PLC programming and SCADA/HMI platforms.
• Understanding of industrial automation and process control.
• Experience with commissioning in industrial environments.
• Awareness of AS/NZS 3000 and functional safety principles.
• Interest in project planning, cost control, and procurement.
• Strong communication, initiative and safe delivery.

Responsibilities

• Program, integrate, test and commission PLC, HMI and SCADA systems across process plants and infrastructure sites.
• Prepare and review functional design specifications, control philosophies, I/O schedules and electrical drawings.
• Manage FAT/SAT processes, configuration and version control, and as-built documentation.
• Support plant upgrades, shutdowns, fault-finding and ongoing maintenance, minimising downtime for clients.
• Coordinate electricians, subcontractors, suppliers, labour and materials.
• Monitor project costs, forecasts, risks, claims and variations.
• Support procurement, tenders and technical evaluations.
• Build strong client relationships while mentoring junior team members.

Skills

Electrical degree

NZ registration eligibility

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Industrial automation

Process instrumentation

Motor control

Plant commissioning

AS/NZS 3000

Project planning

Cost control

Procurement

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

We are growing our team! Downer’s ITS automation and controls team designs, programs, commissions and maintains the control systems behind industrial process plants and critical infrastructure. Our work includes asphalt and bitumen manufacturing plants, water and wastewater treatment, tunnel control systems and remote telemetry, covering PLC, SCADA and HMI systems, instrumentation, motor control and the electrical installations that support them.

We’re looking for an Electrical Engineer (Automation) to support the delivery of automation and control systems across our industrial and infrastructure projects.

Te Kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Automation Engineer, you’ll contribute to automation projects from functional design through to commissioning, onsite testing, handover and ongoing support, helping deliver safe, reliable, commercially successful outcomes for clients whose operations depend on these systems and collaborating with the electrical delivery team.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Program, integrate, test and commission PLC, HMI and SCADA systems across process plants and infrastructure sites
• Prepare and review functional design specifications, control philosophies, I/O schedules and electrical drawings
• Manage FAT/SAT processes, configuration and version control, and as-built documentation
• Support plant upgrades, shutdowns, fault-finding and ongoing maintenance, minimising downtime for clients
• Coordinate electricians, subcontractors, suppliers, labour and materials
• Monitor project costs, forecasts, risks, claims and variations
• Support procurement, tenders and technical evaluations
• Build strong client relationships while mentoring junior team members

There is flexibility around where this role is based for the right candidate. We welcome applications from people based in, or willing to relocate to, the South Island.

Ngā Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

We’re open to an experienced engineer or someone earlier in their career with a solid technical foundation and an interest in automation and control systems.

To be successful, you’ll ideally bring:

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification
• An electrical practising licence or eligibility for New Zealand registration, or a pathway towards this
• Knowledge of PLC programming and SCADA/HMI platforms, gained through work experience, study or practical projects
• An understanding of industrial automation, process control, instrumentation, motor control (VSDs, MCCs) and industrial networks
• Some exposure to commissioning in industrial or process environments, ideally including plant upgrades or shutdowns
• Awareness of AS/NZS 3000 and functional safety principles would be an advantage
• An interest in developing project planning, cost control, risk and procurement capability
• Strong communication skills, initiative and a commitment to safe, quality delivery

Experience in manufacturing, process, water and wastewater, utilities or heavy industrial environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

He aha ngā painga o tēnei mahi mōu | Why you will enjoy working here

You’ll join a skilled and collaborative technical team, at a time of real growth, with mentoring, ongoing development and hands‑on exposure to complex industrial and infrastructure control systems.

We offer:

• A varied, hands‑on role across engineering, programming, commissioning and project delivery
• Mentoring and support from experienced technical leaders
• Opportunities to work on industrial plants and infrastructure projects across the South Island and nationally
• Ongoing training and career development
• Employee benefits, including insurance and technology discounts

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone. All successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, medical assessment, and Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you require support with this process, please contact our team.