Graduate Automation Engineer

Join our Automation team and start your engineering career working on real industrial automation projects across a wide range of processing, manufacturing and infrastructure environments. From day one, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers and be involved in the design, development, testing and commissioning of systems used in large-scale industrial operations.

You’ll work with automation engineers, electrical engineers, electricians, software developers and wider project teams, helping deliver PLC, SCADA, HMI and MES solutions for some of New Zealand’s leading companies. With support from experienced engineers and exposure to different industries, technologies and project stages, you’ll build strong practical and technical foundations for a career in industrial automation.

• Key Responsibilities:
• Assist with the design, development and configuration of PLC, SCADA, HMI and industrial automation systems
• Develop and test control logic, process sequences, HMI applications and supporting software under the guidance of experienced engineers
• Learn to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control philosophies and other technical documentation
• Support system testing, factory acceptance testing, site commissioning and troubleshooting
• Work alongside automation engineers, electrical engineers, electricians, software developers, clients and other contractors throughout project delivery
• Prepare technical documentation and maintain accurate project records
• Develop your technical knowledge across industrial processes, automation platforms and engineering practices
• Take increasing ownership and responsibility as your skills and experience develop

• What We’re Looking For:
• A degree or diploma in Mechatronics, Automation Engineering or a related discipline, either recently completed or nearing completion
• A genuine interest in industrial automation, control systems and how industrial processes work
• An inquisitive and analytical mindset with a desire to understand how things work, solve problems and continually learn
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with teammates, clients and other contractors
• A collaborative, can-do attitude with a willingness to get involved, ask questions and contribute to the team
• A strong work ethic, self-motivation and drive to learn, develop and succeed
• Flexibility to work additional hours periodically during project commissioning

Why Industrial Controls?

Industrial Controls has been involved in some of New Zealand’s largest manufacturing and industrial site developments, working with many of the country’s leading companies and brands.

Our scale and breadth set us apart. With electrical engineering, electrical installation & service support, automation, software and IT/OT networking within the business, we can deliver and support projects from design and engineering through installation, commissioning and ongoing service and support.

For our people, that means exposure to major projects, different industries and technologies, and opportunities to develop across the full project lifecycle.

• Our benefits include:
• Competitive remuneration
• Paid overtime and on-call allowances where applicable
• Travel and away-from-home allowances when staying away for work
• Southern Cross Health Insurance
• Birthday Leave
• Long-service recognition
• Training and professional development
• * Career development opportunities

Location

Full-time, permanent | Timaru

Based in the central South Island, Timaru offers short commute times, good education options and an affordable lifestyle, with the sea, mountains, rivers and lakes all within easy reach.

With skiing, biking, hiking, boating and plenty of other outdoor recreation nearby, it’s a great place to live and work.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re an Engineering Graduate ready to take on varied, rewarding work in a team that recognises your value—we want to hear from you.

📩 Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter

📞 Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 036885310