Automation Engineer

Auckland | Full-time

What’s on Offer

Hands-on role with real impact on manufacturing performance and reliability
Opportunity to work across PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial networks and Manufacturing Execution Systems
Exposure to automation upgrades, system improvements and capital projects
Work within a collaborative, high-performing engineering team

Our Story

Vitaco is the home of an outstanding collection of leading New Zealand and Australian supplements, health food and sports nutrition brands. Our four power brands — Nutra-Life, Healtheries, Athena and Musashi — have been empowering healthier lives across Australia, New Zealand and more than 30 countries worldwide for over 100 years.

With over 650 people across New Zealand and Australia, we operate large-scale manufacturing sites where automation, reliability and continuous improvement are critical to performance and growth.

Vitaco is growing — and it’s an exciting time to join us.

Your Opportunity

We’re looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and takes ownership of system reliability and performance.

In this role, you will design, maintain and continuously improve automated control systems including PLC, SCADA, HMI and industrial networks, while supporting the development, implementation and optimisation of our Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

You will work closely with engineering and operations teams to diagnose issues, eliminate recurring faults and deliver robust, well-designed automation solutions that maximise equipment uptime, ensure safe and compliant system operation, and reduce automation-related failures through well-designed and reliable control systems.

This is a practical, site-based role suited to an engineer who enjoys solving problems at the root cause and delivering long-term, sustainable solutions.

This role is critical in preventing automation-related failures, enabling rapid fault diagnosis, and delivering system improvements that reduce risk, variation and unplanned downtime.

 What You Will Be Responsible For

• Ensure automation systems operate safely, reliably and in line with regulatory and compliance requirements
• Diagnose and resolve automation faults across PLC, SCADA and HMI systems to minimise downtime
• Improve system reliability and eliminate recurring issues through structured problem solving
• Maintain and enhance automation systems, including control logic, alarms, documentation and backups
• Support commissioning, upgrades and capital projects, ensuring robust and fit-for-purpose automation solutions
• Contribute to automation standards, system architecture and continuous improvement of plant performance
• Support and optimise Manufacturing Execution Systems to improve operational visibility and efficiency
• Collaborate with engineering, production and external partners to deliver safe, compliant and effective solutions

 About You

You are a technically strong and practical engineer who enjoys working close to the production environment and takes ownership of system performance and reliability.

You will bring:

• Trade qualification in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an Automation Engineering role within FMCG or manufacturing
• Strong experience with PLC, SCADA and HMI systems
• Experience supporting or working with Manufacturing Execution Systems
• Proven problem-solving capability and structured approach to fault finding
• Ability to work across engineering and operations teams to deliver outcomes

NZ Electrical Registration will be highly regarded, along with experience in industrial automation systems, fault analysis and equipment performance optimisation.

Why Join Us?

At Vitaco, We Care. We Act. We Succeed.

As a HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice, we offer more than just a job — we offer a career in a growing FMCG business where you can make a real impact.

You can look forward to:

• Competitive salary
• Staff discounts on our products
• Access to discounted health insurance
• Subsidised onsite café
• A paid day off on your birthday
• Learning and development opportunities
• Access to in-house wellness and naturopathic support
• A supportive and collaborative team environment

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early rather than waiting for the closing date.

To learn more about this opportunity or to apply online, please click Apply Online.

Interested in other opportunities? Follow us on LinkedIn or set up a profile and job alert by visiting:https://vitaco.careercentre.net.nz and clicking Register.

Agency notice: This recruitment assignment is being managed directly by Vitaco’s recruitment team. We will reach out to our preferred agency partners should we require additional support. Thank you for respecting this process.

Apply now

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