Graduate Test Engineer

Trimble; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trimble in Christchurch, New Zealand, is seeking an Applications Specialist to bridge physical and digital earthmoving tech. You will test GNSS, IMU, and automated guidance systems, acting as the customer voice to refine products for safer, smarter, faster operation on global sites.

The role involves on-site field testing, lab validation, and collaboration with software and hardware teams to ensure robust, user-centered solutions. Travel ~10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Background in Mechatronics or related technical field.
• 0–3 years professional testing experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles and testing practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on system, component, and API testing on heavy machinery software and hardware during active product development.
• Translate real-world earthmoving requirements into actionable testing specifications for the team.
• Develop, execute, and maintain automated and manual test plans to improve product quality.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with software and hardware with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain testing setups across diverse civil construction technology.

Skills

Mechatronics engineering

Software testing

Problem solving

Education

Mechatronics Engineering degree

Job description

Shape the Future of Heavy Machinery Tech: Applications Specialist (CTCT)

Step into the driver seat of cutting edge earthmoving technology in Christchurch where your hands-on passion for advanced technical applications meets software testing. Joined by an innovative multidisciplinary team, you will serve as the essential voice of the customer, directly field testing and refining next-generation GNSS, IMU, and automated guidance systems that help operators across the globe build smarter, safer, and faster.

What Makes This Role Great

In this role, you will bridge the physical and digital worlds by bringing real-world construction insights into the development lab, directly shaping and validating world-leading machine control products that automate heavy equipment worldwide.

Key Exciting Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on system, component, and API testing on heavy machinery software and hardware during active product development.
• Act as the vital voice of the customer by translating real-world earthmoving requirements into actionable, user‑centric testing specifications.
• Develop, execute, and maintain automated test scripts and manual test plans to optimize product quality and minimize manual testing efforts.
• Troubleshoot, reproduce, and diagnose complex field‑escalated technical issues alongside software and system engineering teams.
• Maintain and update software, firmware, and specialized hardware testing setups across diverse civil construction technology.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Background or qualification in Mechatronics Engineering, Software Testing, or a related technical discipline.
• 0-3 years of professional experience, ideally in software testing, robotics, positioning systems or navigation sensors.
• Practical understanding of software development lifecycle processes with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent proactive communication skills to effectively articulate technical issues and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Physical capability to operate survey equipment and test instruments around active heavy construction equipment.

Bonus Points For

• Hands‑on experience working in a safety focused environment.

Logistics

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (On‑site / Field testing)

Travel Requirement: 10%

About Us

Trimble is an industrial technology company transforming the way the world works by delivering solutions that enable our customers to thrive. We create technologies that connect the digital and physical worlds, helping our customers increase productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. From purpose‑built products to enterprise‑level solutions, our technology empowers professionals in construction, geospatial, government, transportation, and more.

Field Systems: Trimble Field Systems develops hardware, software and services that connect the site to the office for key industries around the world, including civil construction, surveying, mapping, automotive, marine, utilities and more. Leveraging decades of expertise and a commitment to driving innovative breakthroughs, we offer solutions that drive digital transformation across your field operations.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At Trimble, we’re not just a company that “does good”—we are a team dedicated to making a tangible, positive Real-World Impact. We build innovative solutions designed to solve the world’s most critical challenges. From construction sites to transportation hubs, our work tangibly improves how people live, build, move, and grow.

You’ll work on projects that truly matter: Our purpose‑driven culture means you’ll be helping to build and deliver solutions that make work faster, safer, and more sustainable for millions of people worldwide. Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data‑driven insights that reduce waste.

Collaborate with like‑minded people: Our strong internal culture is a “hidden gem.” You will work with a collaborative, supportive team that shares your purpose and fosters a genuine sense of belonging. We’re a company of “visionary pragmatists” who think boldly and build things that work.

Be an owner: Trimble thrives on individuals who take initiative and embrace ownership. You’ll find an entrepreneurial spirit where success is often “self‑authored,” empowering proactive “doers.”

Keywords

Applications Specialist, QA Testing, Heavy Machinery, Civil Engineering, Surveying, Machine Control, GNSS, Automation, CTCT, Software Testing

Join a Values‑Driven Team

Belong, Grow, Innovate. At Trimble, our core values of Belong, Grow, and Innovate aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of our culture. We foster an environment where you are seen, heard, and valued (Belong); where you have an opportunity to build a career and drive our collective growth (Grow); and where your innovative ideas shape the future (Innovate). We believe in empowering local teams to create impactful strategies, ensuring our global vision resonates with every individual. Become part of a team where your contributions truly matter.

Candidate Privacy Notices by Country

If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Trimble is transforming the way the world works by delivering products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. From purpose built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming a broad range of industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation and logistics. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), visit www.trimble.com.