About the role
Join our Business Improvement team as an Automation Engineer and be at the forefront of transforming how we operate through automation and digital innovation across our Lumber Division.
In this role, you will:
Drive meaningful improvements in operational performance by delivering safe, reliable automation solutions
Play a key role in shaping and supporting capital investment projects across our Napier and Otago sites
Take ownership of the full automation lifecycle — from identifying opportunities and building the business case through to commissioning and optimisation
Champion the use of automation and digital technologies to unlock smarter, more efficient ways of working
Lead and influence automation outcomes within capital projects, ensuring delivery meets performance, safety, and compliance expectations
This is a high-impact role where your expertise will directly influence how our sites operate today and how we evolve for the future.
This is a full-time role based at our Whirinaki site.
About us
We add value to our natural resources. Our business is renewables, and we have been a part of New Zealand’s bio-based economy for 50 years. We grow, process, and deliver quality radiata products to national and international markets. Sustainability and safety are the foundations of our business. We have a team of over 430 full time staff and 400 contractors. We care for our people, the environment, and our community.
We offer
A supportive learning and development environment
Secure employment
Reward and recognition
Wellbeing programme
Discounted petrol
Free flu injections
Free life insurance for you and discounted life insurance for your partner
Subsidised medical insurance for you and your family
Retail discounts
Employee Assistance Programme
Relocation costs (if applicable)
Family friendly events
About you
You bring a strong background in industrial automation and controls, with the ability to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions in safety-focused environments.
You will bring:
Strong industrial automation experience (3+ years preferred)
Experience with PLC, and/or Software systems
Project delivery or project management experience
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
A tertiary engineering qualification in automation, control systems, software, or similar desired
We look forward to receiving your application.
For 50 years, Pan Pac Forest Products has been growing, processing and delivering quality radiata products to international markets. No other forest products company in New Zealand does what we do.
We are proud to be a part of New Zealand’s bio-based economy. We are focused on innovation and the sustainability of our operations and the environment in which we work.
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