Electrical Engineer (Automation)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance and technology discounts

Mentoring and skilled leadership

Career development and training

Diverse project exposure across NZ

Job summary

Downer & Company seeks an Electrical Engineer (Automation) to design, program, commission and maintain control systems for industrial plants and infrastructure across the South Island and nationwide.

You will contribute from functional design through to commissioning, testing, handover and ongoing support, collaborating with the electrical delivery team to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for clients.

Qualifications

• An electrical engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Electrical practising licence or eligibility for New Zealand registration.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and SCADA/HMI platforms.
• Understanding of industrial automation, process control and instrumentation.
• Some exposure to commissioning or plant upgrades or shutdowns.
• Awareness of AS/NZS 3000 and functional safety principles is advantageous.
• Interest in developing project planning, cost control and procurement capability.
• Strong communication, initiative and safe, quality delivery.

Responsibilities

• Program, integrate, test and commission PLC, HMI and SCADA systems across plants.
• Prepare and review functional design specs, control philosophies and drawings.
• Manage FAT/SAT processes, configuration, version control and as-built docs.
• Support plant upgrades, shutdowns, fault-finding and maintenance.
• Coordinate electricians, subcontractors, suppliers and labour.
• Monitor project costs, forecasts, risks, claims and variations.
• Support procurement, tenders and technical evaluations.
• Build client relationships and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Electrical engineering

PLC programming

SCADA / HMI

Commissioning

Project coordination

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Electrical Engineer (Automation)

Company : Downer & Company Job Type : Full Time New Zealand

Job Description - Electrical Engineer (Automation)

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.

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

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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.

Benefits and Perks

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

All successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, medical assessment, and Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment.