Automation Engineer

We are searching for an experienced Automation Engineer who is motivated by complex technical challenges and delivering robust solutions in demanding industrial environments. This role is best suited to an engineer who primarily identifies as a software engineer, but is comfortable working close to industrial hardware, control systems, and electrical equipment.

This New Zealand based company designs and builds hi-tech crushing and screening plants for quarries across New Zealand and Australia. Using proprietary technology, our mission is to enable more sustainable building materials and reduce the environmental impact of construction.

Our goal is to develop modern software and automation systems for hi-tech monitoring and diagnostics that our customers will love to use.

This position offers a mix of software development, system design, and hands-on industrial work. You will be involved throughout the lifecycle of industrial automation systems — from requirements definition and software architecture, through to commissioning, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

The role will involve:

Industrial Software & Automation 

• PLC programming and control system development including HMI and SCADA
• Designing and implementing automation architectures
• Developing supporting software systems for monitoring, diagnostics, and data analysis

Systems Integration 

• Integrating PLCs, instrumentation, networks, and higher-level software systems
• Preparing system requirements and functional specifications
• Liaising with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders

Electrical & Control Systems 

• Supporting electrical design for industrial plant
• Troubleshooting control panels, field devices, and industrial networks
• Ensuring designs meet relevant electrical and safety standards

Installation, Commissioning & Support 

• Overseeing installation and commissioning of plant and control systems
• Working with subcontractors and customers during testing and startup
• Diagnosing and resolving issues during commissioning and operation

Remote Monitoring & Continuous Improvement 

• Monitoring operational plants remotely from the Hamilton base
• Analysing system behaviour and plant data to identify issues early
• Improving software, control logic, and system performance over time

Hands-On Engineering 

• Supporting maintenance and fault-finding when required
• Working directly with large industrial machinery in quarry environments

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A background in industrial automation, control systems, or industrial software

engineering

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems
• A software-first mindset, with practical understanding of electrical systems,

instrumentation, and industrial hardware

• Experience designing systems to meet relevant engineering and safety standards
• The ability to methodically work through complex technical challenges
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A proactive, hands-on approach and enthusiasm for learning new technologies
• A collaborative mindset and enjoyment of working in a small, ambitious engineering

team

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience with higher-level software development (e.g. data systems, interfaces,

remote monitoring platforms, OO design patterns, data analytics)

• Project or technical leadership experience
• Exposure to financial tracking or project cost awareness
• Experience working in New Zealand or Australian industrial environments