Robot Programmer – Automation & Robotics

Kings Recruitment; Avondale; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kings Recruitment – Avondale, North Island is seeking a Robotics Programmer / Automation Engineer to design and implement bespoke automation systems for a range of industries. You'll program, configure and commission industrial robots, develop and optimise robot programs, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical and project engineers to deliver one-off projects from concept to finished machine.

This hands-on role offers a genuinely modern engineering environment with ample opportunity to grow

Qualifications

• Industrial robot programming knowledge and hands-on robotics experience.
• Experience with Kawasaki or other major robot brands is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and practical engineering mindset.

Responsibilities

• Programming, configuring and commissioning industrial robots.
• Developing and optimising robot programs for bespoke automation projects.
• Collaborating with mechanical, electrical and project engineers.
• Involving PLC programming and automation integration.
• Testing, troubleshooting and commissioning equipment onsite and in workshop.
• Contributing ideas to improve machine performance and outcomes.

Skills

Industrial robot programming

Hands-on engineering

Problem solving

Education

Mechatronics/Robotics/Electrical Eng degree

Tools

Kawasaki

ABB

FANUC

KUKA

Yaskawa

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Kings Recruitment – Avondale, North Island

Robotics | PLCs | Automation | Bespoke Projects

Want to programme robots that actually DO something?

What's on Offer:

• $90K – $130K depending on experience

• Interesting, one-off automation projects

• Plenty of opportunity to grow your robotics and PLC skills

• A genuinely hands-on engineering environment

• Work alongside experienced engineers who know their stuff

• See your work go from concept, movement, finished machine

We're recruiting for a seriously cool New Zealand engineering business designing and building bespoke robotic and automation systems for a range of industries.

This is an opportunity to work on one-off projects where you can see your work go from concept, to programming, to a finished machine.

You'll be joining a team of experienced engineers in a genuinely hands-on environment, with plenty of opportunity to develop your skills across robotics, PLCs and automation.

Program it. Build it. Test it. Watch it work.

The Role:

This is primarily a robot programming role, but you'll be involved throughout the project lifecycle, from development and build through to testing, installation and commissioning.

You'll be responsible for:

• Programming, configuring and commissioning industrial robots

• Developing and optimising robot programs for bespoke automation projects

• Working alongside mechanical, electrical and project engineers

• Getting involved in PLC programming and automation integration

• Testing and troubleshooting systems in the workshop and onsite

• Commissioning equipment and solving problems when things don't go to plan

• Contributing ideas to improve machine performance and project outcomes

About You

We're looking for someone who is technically sharp, curious, hands-on and genuinely enjoys automation.

You might be a:

Robot Programmer | Robotics Engineer | Automation Engineer | Mechatronics Engineer | Controls Engineer

Ideally, you'll have:

• Industrial robot programming experience

• Kawasaki experience would be great, but ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa or similar is absolutely relevant

• PLC programming experience is highly desirable

• A Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation, Controls or Electrical Engineering background

• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills

• A practical, hands-on approach to engineering

• A genuine interest in making machines work

Why this role

This isn't a repetitive production programming role.

You’ll be working on bespoke automation projects, solving different problems and seeing the results of your work come together.

You’ll get to programme the robot, help build the machine, test it, troubleshoot it and ultimately watch it do what you’ve programmed it to do.

If you’re an engineer who gets excited by robots, automation and making things work, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note we will only be accepting applications from those with the right to work in New Zealand. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and that will be within 7 days from receipt of expression of interest

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