Automation Engineer

About the Company We are a leading international food production company specializing in vegetables, with over 80 years of experience in the industry. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has established us as a key player in the market. We take pride in supplying a diverse range of quality New Zealand food products to global markets, and we are dedicated to fostering a positive work environment for our employees. About the Role We are seeking an Automation Engineer/Process Automation Technician to join our new division focused on Continuous Improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance operational performance within a successful team based in Ashburton. You will report directly to the Continuous Improvement Manager and will play a vital role in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems to boost efficiency and productivity. In this role, you will collaborate closely with various team members, including the Site Manager, Operations Manager, Planning Team, and Administration team. We are looking for an individual with a strong background in lean manufacturing who is also a dedicated advocate for Health and Safety in production environments. Proven experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and programming automated systems within a production setting is essential. Your duties will include: - Improving processes and efficiency within the business - Providing systems and automation solutions, along with technical support for various departments - Troubleshooting and resolving equipment and systems issues - Serving as the specialist and go-to person for technical support on site operations and projects - Conducting daily system audits - Performing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) that involves product development, sales, and engineering - Utilizing automation to enhance production capability and reliability - Installing and commissioning new equipment while training staff to build their capabilities - Designing and integrating software changes to ensure reliable automated plant processes - Ensuring Health and Safety procedures are followed and investigating any incidents Role Requirements The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience: - An Automation/Instrumentation Engineering qualification is desirable - A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Process Control Automation role - Familiarity with PLC Software (e.g., Schneider Control Expert, Siemens TIA Portal) - Experience with programming languages such as JavaScript or Python - Knowledge of product tracking and traceability, weighbridge, and barcode systems - Experience in machine data collection and downtime tracking systems - Excellent analytical and strategic problem-solving skills - A solid understanding of Lean principles and methodologies - Knowledge of food safety practices (HACCP and GMP) is advantageous Benefits We offer a competitive starting salary and flexible working hours, along with the opportunity to become an integral part of a new team in a thriving organization. An immediate start is available for the right candidate. How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please click 'APPLY' or contact Katie France for a confidential discussion. Phone Number: 021 0815 9274 Email: Katie.f@stellarrecruitment.co.nz