Specialist Process Engineer

Specialist Process Engineer – Carbon 
NZAS – New Zealand Aluminium Smelters 
Tiwai Point, Invercargill | Permanent Role 

Optimise industrial processes at one of the world’s most efficient aluminium smelters — with purpose, challenge, and impact. 

• Permanent employment with a global business which includes a huge range of additional benefits 

• full-time role, based in beautiful Invercargill, New Zealand, – relocation provided (if required) 

• Flexible working arrangements with a supportive leadership team dedicated to your growth. 

About the Role 

At NZAS, we operate one of the world’s most efficient aluminium smelters — powered almost entirely by renewable hydroelectric energy. The Specialist Process Engineer has key accountabilities of managing critical process variables associated with the production and baking of anodes, ensuring that a quality product is delivered to our customers on time and meets customer expectations. 

This is a leadership, technically focused role where you’ll apply your engineering expertise to optimise existing assets, solve operational challenges, and contribute to the design and implementation of process improvements. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production — using data-driven insights and practical problem-solving to make a real impact. 

This role has, input to the budgeting and cost management of the Department and includes accountability for the overall strategic planning and technical aspects, monthly reporting and forecasting for the Carbon Department. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

Reporting to the Manager, Carbon and working alongside a passionate team, you will: 

• Track and analyse operational data to identify trends, draw conclusions, and make recommendations. 

• Solve process-related issues using standard engineering methods and procedures. 

• Manage the implementation of projects and improvement initiatives. 

• Act as a trusted technical resource for supervisors and technicians. 

• Influence peers and leaders by contributing valuable insights to projects and daily operations. 

• Demonstratable analytical and strategic skills, project management skills, leadership skills including coaching and development of team members. 

• Responsibility for identification, reporting and responses to plant and process variations. 

• Interpersonal skills, including effectively working with multiple teams. 

• Strong coaching focus for the on-going development of the Carbon technical team, including graduates. 

• Develop your understanding of problem-solving and project management methodologies. 

• Prepare clear, concise reports and documentation outlining actions and recommendations. 

• Provide technical support to production teams and supervise contractors or employees when required. 

• Present proposed solutions and results to team members and stakeholders. 

What You’ll Bring 

We’re looking for a motivated and analytical engineer with a passion for continuous improvement. You’ll bring: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering (or related discipline) OR relevant work experience in a similar role. 

• Minimum 4+ years of experience in a refinery, manufacturing, or processing facility. 

• Strong data analysis skills — including Excel, statistical tools, and process variable trending. 

• A hands-on approach and willingness to work in a heavy industrial environment. 

• Familiarity with systems such as MS Office, Minitab, and OSIsoft Pi. 

• Experience working in cross-functional teams to solve process optimisation challenges. 

• Effective leadership skills for self and team development 

• Strong health and safety mindset – including psychological safety 

• Ability to set and maintain high work standards 

• Possess excellent communication skills 

• LEAN Green belt training, highly regarded 

• Exposure to Power BI, control logic or DCS systems (advantageous). 

What We Offer 

• A technically engaging leadership role with real-world impact on operations and performance 

• Competitive salary and benefits — including insurance, superannuation, and flexible leave options 

• Career development and technical progression pathways within Rio Tinto 

• A strong safety culture and values-driven team environment 

• A unique lifestyle opportunity in one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions — powered by hydroelectricity 

Where You’ll Be Working 

NZAS is based at Tiwai Point, near Invercargill — a friendly, close-knit community at the southern tip of Aotearoa New Zealand. Invercargill offers a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living, and easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes. You’ll be just two hours from Queenstown — with world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and wineries at your doorstep. 

Our site is operated by Rio Tinto and produces some of the world’s lowest-carbon aluminium. As a Process Engineer, you’ll be part of the team that ensures our operations remain efficient, sustainable, and future-ready. 

Ready to Engineer What’s Next? 

If you’re a proactive, solutions-focused engineer ready to take the next step in your career — we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now and energise your next chapter with NZAS. 

We value every voice. NZAS is proud to foster a culture of inclusion, safety, and integrity — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.