Positioning & Controls Test Automation Engineer

Trimble; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Trimble is seeking an automation engineer to accelerate autonomous agriculture testing by migrating vehicle testing to SIL/HIL environments. You will develop HIL testbenches, write Python/MATLAB tests, and analyze data to benchmark positioning and sensor performance.

The role involves collaboration across hardware, embedded software, and systems teams, with travel up to 15% for field testing. A strong background in GNSS, IMU, or sensor fusion is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in a technical field related to robotics, mechatronics, or controls.
• 3+ years in test automation, systems validation, or robotics testing.

Responsibilities

• Stand up HIL testbenches and develop automated scripts using platforms like NI VeriStand.
• Write and maintain model and software test cases in Python and MATLAB.
• Build and refine data analysis tools to present positioning and sensor performance baselines.
• Support engineering teams with in-field vehicle data logging and real-world testing.
• Partner with hardware, embedded software, and systems teams to define robust test requirements.

Skills

Python

Test automation

Linux

Git

GNSS

Sensor fusion

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechatronics/Robotics/CE/EE

Tools

NI VeriStand

MATLAB

CAN protocols (J1939/NMEA 2000)

Job description

Accelerate the Future of Autonomous Agriculture with Trimble! Are you ready to make a tangible impact on advanced agricultural technology? Trimble is looking for a passionate problem-solver like you to help us transform off‑highway machinery and shape the future of positioning systems!

What Makes This Role Great:

You will be at the forefront of migrating physical vehicle testing to automated SIL/HIL environments, directly accelerating development cycles and enhancing product quality for global agriculture industries.

Key Exciting Responsibilities:

• Stand up HIL testbenches and develop automated scripts using platforms like NI VeriStand.
• Write and maintain model and software test cases in Python and MATLAB to maximize code coverage.
• Build and refine data analysis tools to clearly present positioning and sensor performance baselines to development teams.
• Support engineering teams with in-field vehicle data logging and real-world testing.
• Partner collaboratively across hardware, embedded software, and systems teams to define robust test requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in test automation, systems validation, or robotics/controls testing.
• Proficiency in Python for automation, scripting, and data analysis, along with familiarity with Linux environments and version control systems like Git.
• Solid understanding of positioning technologies and principles such as GNSS, IMUs, odometry, or sensor fusion.
• Strong willingness and ability to travel up to 15% for on‑site field testing and data collection.

Bonus Points For:

• Up to 10 years of progressive experience in autonomous or semi‑autonomous machinery, automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment validation.
• Direct experience configuring HIL hardware/software setups and I/O instrumentation.
• Deep understanding of sensor fusion algorithms, Kalman filtering, or GNSS‑INS systems and off‑highway CAN protocols like J1939 and NMEA 2000.
• Ability to read, debug, modify, or write embedded C/C++ code directly.

Logistics:

Please note: Only applicants who are legally entitled to work in NewZealand will be considered.

Location:

Christchurch, NewZealand (In Office). Our office in Christchurch, NewZealand (handily located on the Little River Link Cycleway), is the engineering center in our region and home to over 450 staff, offering free parking, an on‑site fully featured gym, changing rooms & showers, table tennis, an active social club, and a great team environment where people love working with leading technology solutions.

Travel Requirement:

Up to 15%.

Keywords:

automation engineer, test automation, positioning systems, controls testing, python, matlab, hil, sil, gnss, robotics, mechatronics, christchurch jobs.

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.