Automation Engineer
Drive innovative automation and control solutions across Wellington’s critical water infrastructure, working on diverse projects that enhance reliability, performance and essential services.
Play a key role in delivering and maintaining automation systems that support critical three waters infrastructure across the Wellington region
Work across a variety of sites, including treatment plants, pump stations and networks, delivering innovative and reliable control system solutions
Be part of a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement, safety, and ensuring high-quality water services for our communities
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week based in Petone.
Participate in a callout roster about 1 in 8 weeks. A company vehicle is included for business use only. Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience.
The opportunity
As an Automation Engineer, you will design, implement, maintain and optimise automation and data acquisition systems that underpin Wellington Water’s critical infrastructure. This includes working across PLC, SCADA, HMI, and telemetry systems to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
You’ll be involved in the full lifecycle of automation systems — from design and project delivery through to commissioning, maintenance and continuous improvement. The role also includes troubleshooting and responding to incidents, supporting system integration, and ensuring high-quality real-time data flows across operational platforms.
This is a hands-on and varied role where you’ll work closely with operational teams, contractors and stakeholders to deliver robust, future-focused automation solutions that protect public health and the environment. You will visit many sites across the Wellington region, ranging from small roadside control cabinets to large industrial treatment plants.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
A bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, process engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience), along with a current NZ driver's licence
Around 5+ or more years’ experience working with industrial automation systems, including PLC, SCADA, HMI and telemetry platforms
Proven experience delivering automation projects within complex industrial or process environments
In addition, you will demonstrate:
Strong programming and configuration skills across control systems, including developing functional design specifications and system documentation
Solid understanding of engineering principles, control systems, and industrial networks
Experience with system integration, data collection (historian systems), and interface validation
The ability to troubleshoot complex issues and respond effectively to incidents and system failures
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to a range of stakeholders
A collaborative, self-starting approach with a focus on continuous improvement, safety and high performance
Experience in water or wastewater treatment is advantageous but not essential
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements, including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits, click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: 8th November 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Treatment and Control Systems
- Role
- Maintenance and Automation
- Location
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
