Maintenance Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a skilled Maintenance Engineer to join our engineering Central team based in Dunsandel. This is a hands-on role where you will play a key part in keeping our critical plant and processing equipment running efficiently and safely.

You’ll bring strong mechanical troubleshooting capability, a proactive mindset, and a genuine commitment to health, safety and food quality standards. Working closely with production and quality teams, you’ll help minimise downtime, support continuous improvement, and ensure our equipment operates at its best.

This role offers the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently in a dynamic manufacturing environment where reliability, problem-solving and initiative are highly valued.

Key responsibilities of this role include..

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance across dairy processing and plant equipment
• Diagnose and repair mechanical faults quickly to minimise production downtime
• Troubleshoot breakdowns and resolve issues both independently and as part of the engineering team
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across plant reliability and performance
• Ensure all maintenance work complies with health & safety and food safety standards
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation
• Work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to support smooth plant operations
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving to prevent recurring issues

Skills and Experience 

You’re a practical problem-solver who enjoys working in a production environment and takes pride in maintaining high standards of safety and workmanship.

You will ideally bring:

• Trade qualification, minimum level 4 as a Mechanical Fitter or equivalent
• Experience in dairy, food manufacturing, or processing environments (advantageous)
• Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills
• The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and quality systems
• Flexibility to work day and night shift

 About us – The Synlait Spirit 

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit. 

Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day. 

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us. 

We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world. 

At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success. 

What we offer:

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B Corp^TM certified 
• Social Club membership opportunities 

What's next? Apply now!

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. 

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.   

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