Senior Operator

Scientific & Technical Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual profit share

Training & development

Job summary

SCITEX is seeking a Senior Operator for a modern waste oil processing facility in New Zealand. The role combines hands-on mechanical work with process knowledge to keep plant operations safe, efficient and reliable.

You will operate, monitor and optimise PLC-controlled equipment, perform basic maintenance, and support the lead operator on shift. Experience in heavy industry and a calm, proactive troubleshooting approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar production facility, refinery, process plant, manufacturing or heavy industry.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with industrial equipment.
• Experience operating PLC-controlled processing systems.
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, motors and rotating equipment.
• Leadership or senior operator experience.
• Strong understanding of safe operating procedures and permit-to-work systems.
• A practical, calm approach to troubleshooting.
• Qualification in Process Operations, Mechanical Engineering or related trade highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor and optimise PLC-controlled processing equipment.
• Identify equipment issues early and minimise downtime.
• Carry out routine inspections and basic mechanical maintenance.
• Support maintenance teams during breakdowns and planned shutdowns.
• Respond to plant incidents breakdowns and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Industrial equipment experience

PLC-controlled systems

Troubleshooting

Leadership experience

Safety procedures

Problem solving

Education

Process Operations qualification

Mechanical Engineering background

Tools

PLC control systems

Job description

Apply your mechanical aptitude or manufacturing operations experience in one of New Zealand's newest waste oil recycling facilities.

31st July, 2026

Join a modern, purpose-built oil recycling facility using cutting-edge technology to convert waste oil into high-value base oils. As a senior operator on shift, you will be combining strong mechanical capability with process knowledge to keep the plant operating safely, efficiently and reliably.

This is a practical role where you'll work alongside the operations team carrying out plant operation, and basic maintenance while supporting the lead operator on shift.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work in one of New Zealand's newest waste oil processing facilities
• Annual profit share
• Family-owned business where your contribution is valued
• Ongoing training and development
• Modern plant, equipment and PLC control systems

The Role

As a senior Operator, you'll take ownership of plant performance while supporting the safe and efficient operation of the refinery.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor and optimise PLC-controlled processing equipment
• Identify equipment issues early and minimise downtime
• Carry out routine inspections and basic mechanical maintenance
• Support maintenance teams during breakdowns and planned shutdowns
• Respond to plant incidents breakdowns and support continuous improvement initiatives

About You

You'll enjoy hands-on work, solving problems and taking ownership of plant performance.

You'll bring:

• Previous experience in a similar production facility, refinery, process plant, manufacturing or heavy industry.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with industrial equipment
• Experience operating PLC-controlled processing systems
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, motors and rotating equipment
• Leadership or senior operator experience
• Strong understanding of safe operating procedures and permit-to-work systems
• A practical, calm approach to troubleshooting

A qualification in Process Operations, Mechanical Engineering or a related trade is highly regarded we are interested to hear from anyone who has on the ground experience.

Hours of Work

The plant operates 24/7 on a rotating 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off roster. Overtime and occasional call-outs may be required, and weekend work forms part of the roster.

If you're a mechanically minded operator who enjoys leading from the front and keeping plant running at its best, we'd love to hear from you.

Sarah Coad - Division Manager

[e-mail]

09 200 3125