Automation Engineer

About Us

Open Country Dairy is among New Zealand's premier dairy manufacturers, delivering top-tier dairy ingredients and nutritional products globally. Our success hinges on strong relationships and a workforce dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous enhancement across our operations.

Our Mataura Valley Milk (MVM) facility in Gore is dedicated to producing high-quality nutritional products using advanced manufacturing technologies, a team-oriented culture, and an environment that promotes challenging existing processes to discover better approaches.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Automation Engineer to join our engineering team at MVM in Gore. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, you will be instrumental in maintaining optimal performance of the plant's automation systems. Collaborating with teams across Operations, Technical, Supply Chain, and Engineering, you will provide expert automation support to optimize manufacturing efficiency and reliability.

This role requires a proactive, hands-on approach for resolving complex technical issues and enhancing manufacturing processes to improve site performance.

Primary Duties

• Identify and rectify faults within automation and control systems.
• Enhance plant efficiency, product quality, output, and dependability through automation advancements.
• Create and deploy software solutions to support automation and capital projects.
• Assist production teams with troubleshooting efforts and process improvements.
• Help integrate ERP and MES platforms, manage traceability systems, and oversee manufacturing data.
• Support recipe management alongside the development of new products.
• Oversee automation documentation and control site change management procedures.
• Promote continuous improvement practices and engineering excellence.

Candidate Profile

• Holds an Engineering degree or equivalent in Automation Engineering or related industry experience.
• Demonstrates strong capabilities in automation troubleshooting and fault diagnosis.
• Experienced in root cause analysis and resolving complex technical challenges.
• Skilled in interpreting and composing functional system descriptions.
• Familiar with CMMS platforms and maintenance operations.
• Possesses knowledge of industrial IT and networking systems.
• Excellent communication skills complemented by strong relationship-building aptitude.
• Organized with a mindset focused on continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in dairy, food, nutritional, or other process manufacturing industries.
• Background in manufacturing optimization and automation system development projects.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Engage with cutting-edge automation technologies within a modern manufacturing setting.
• Be part of a skilled, collaborative engineering team.
• Play a role in producing world-class nutritional products.
• Enjoy the lifestyle advantages of Southland while progressing professionally.