Automation Engineer – Control Systems & Instrumentation

Join our team at Rio Tinto NZAS as an Automation Engineer – Control Systems & Instrumentation

• Permanent role living in Southland and working at beautiful Tiwai Point.
• Competitive salary and benefits designed to make life better for you and your whanau – flexible working, Rio Tinto share scheme, Rio Discounts Programme, contribution to medical costs, leave loading and more.
• 9 Day Fortnight
• Be part of building a bright future for our business, for Southland and for Aotearoa New Zealand.
   

About the Role 
 

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. 

Calling all Automation, Control Systems and Instrumentation Professionals
 

We are looking to grow our Operational Technology team and require people with Automation, Process Control or Instrumentation qualifications who are looking for their next big move to support and improve Operational Technology across site.
 

These roles offer a great opportunity to develop your skills and experience whilst fostering a collaborative team culture on site. You will never get bored! We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We have technical development programmes that are industry-leading and recognise the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.
 

Working in a challenging and exciting environment you will be:

• Developing and improving automation and control systems including interfaces between the control and SCADA/HMI layers, and information systems such as databases, historians, analysis tools and manufacturing execution systems. Supporting and developing the site SCADA fleet and equipment HMIs.
• Conducting and managing business sustaining work such as obsolete control system hardware replacement or software conversion and upgrades
• Providing technical advice and assistance to site maintenance, engineering and operational teams
• Providing second level breakdown support, including after-hours call out roster participation to maintenance and operations teams.
• Improving existing process and equipment control systems to increase efficiency
   

About you

We are looking for people with:

• Qualifications in one or more of the following: Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechatronic, Automation Engineering, Industrial Electrical, Industrial Electronics, Instrumentation and Control.
• Experience in PLC programming (Unity Pro, ProWorx NxT, Concept, Studio 5000/ RS Logix), SCADAs (Ifix, Ignition), HMIs (Red Lion ) and OPC servers/clients
• Demonstrated application development experience using VBA, Python, SQL and SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting Services and Power BI.
• Networking and industrial protocol experience and fault-finding skills
• Experience in the installation, maintenance of computer network cabling (Fibre and Copper) and equipment plus the ability to diagnose and rectify faults
• Calibration of measurement and control devices
• Installation and maintenance of CCTV systems
• Experience in the installation and maintenance of wireless modems and mobile computing systems such as Metlink devices and handheld scanners
• Experience in a heavy industry environment
• A demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and technologies quickly
• Ability to liaise with a range of people on site from tradespeople to leaders and technical staff
• Class 1 Drivers Licence
   

What we offer

• Permanent opportunity based in Invercargill New Zealand.
• Domestic relocation if required
• Great opportunity to join a global mining organisation offering outstanding personal development and career opportunities.
• A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards.
• Excellent retirement plan.
• A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life.
• Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters.
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share programme.

Where you’ll be working
 

Rio Tinto Aluminium – Pacific Operations – New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai Point, Invercargill.  Rio Tinto is a global leader in aluminium, one of the world’s most widely used metals.
 

Our Pacific Operations sites are located along the east coast of Australia, at the tip of the Northern Territory and in New Zealand’s south.  With more than 6,000 employees, we operate a full value chain approach — mining, refining and smelting. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with nurses and health professionals across our assets.
 

Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city is the commercial hub of Southland.  The city is famous for its easy access to outdoor adventures, with a balance of all the modern facilities you would expect from a thriving city, with well-regarded schools, childcare, restaurants, creative and cultural experiences, shopping and sporting opportunities. 

• Applications close: 26th August 2025
• Learn more: New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter | NZAS

   

#gts

About Rio Tinto
 

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
 

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

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