Lead Engineer

Company Overview

At Waratah NZ Limited, a John Deere company, we embody values of integrity, quality, commitment, and innovation. With over 40 years dedicated to advancing the global forestry industry through pioneering mechanized harvesting, we provide durable, reliable products coupled with exceptional customer service. Our overarching mission at John Deere is to design and deliver breakthrough products supporting sustainable global progress.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive our Smart Connected Factory initiatives in Tokoroa, New Zealand. This permanent full-time role involves leveraging engineering, automation, digital technologies, and data-driven strategies to enhance manufacturing performance. The successful candidate will collaborate with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, IT, and global teams to implement practical solutions for improved safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily expert support and troubleshooting for manufacturing systems and automation equipment to ensure seamless factory operations.
• Develop and execute Smart Connected Factory projects targeting operational challenges with measurable improvements.
• Lead implementation of automation and digital solutions to elevate safety, product quality, and labor efficiency.
• Create informative reports, dashboards, and visualizations utilizing platforms such as Power BI, SQL, Ignition, and enterprise data systems.
• Collaborate with IT and technology teams to resolve critical infrastructure and system issues impacting manufacturing workflows.
• Translate operational needs into technology-driven solutions that streamline processes and enhance decision-making capabilities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts through labor analysis, capacity planning, and productivity optimization.
• Ensure integrity of manufacturing data, integration between ERP/MES, routing structures, and product traceability systems.
• Lead and participate in capital investment projects involving equipment, facilities, and manufacturing technologies.
• Train and assist production teams in adopting new digital tools and workflows.
• Drive root cause analysis and problem resolution across both production processes and technological environments.
• Work closely across multiple departments to align on and successfully deliver strategic transformation initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Four-year university degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, automation, industrial engineering, or technology-focused roles.
• Robust understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and industrial engineering concepts.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies, including control systems, sensors, and integration of manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools like SQL, Power BI, Ignition, or equivalents.
• Experience working with ERP/MES platforms such as SAP or IFS and associated manufacturing data integration.
• Familiarity with Smart Connected Factory concepts, Industry 4.0, IoT, and integrated OT/IT environments.
• Demonstrated project management skills with a minimum of 3 years handling initiatives from conception to deployment.
• Superior troubleshooting abilities dealing with both operational and technological challenges.
• Ability to effectively convert complex business challenges into actionable technology solutions.
• Proven record supporting digital transformation, automation, or capital projects.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience coaching and guiding others through technology adoption.

Personal Attributes

• Continuous improvement-oriented mindset with dedication to enhancing operations daily.
• Highly analytical, leveraging data to inform decisions.
• Effective communicator bridging shop-floor and technical team perspectives.
• Detail-focused with commitment to accuracy and system reliability.
• Adaptive and curious about emerging manufacturing technologies and trends.
• Growth mindset with passion for shaping advanced manufacturing environments.

Additional Information

You will join a global organization that values diverse talent and fosters an inclusive, supportive workplace. Benefits include competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, social activities, health and safety programs, and opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

Applications close by the end of business on 9th October 2026. Candidates must have appropriate work authorization in New Zealand prior to application.