Systems & Sensors Engineer

TOMRA Food is a multinational organization and a leading provider of sensor-based sorting, peeling and integrated post-harvest solution for the food industries. Transforming global food production to maximize food safety and minimize food loss by making sure Every Resource Counts™, has been our strength for over 50 years.

At TOMRA, we want people to innovate, show passion in their work and be responsible. We encourage the freedom to innovate and take risks that result in breakthroughs that challenge the status quo. We value passion that focuses and commits to meeting success. We believe in a responsible and safe mindset that takes care of our customers, products, and fellow employees.

Join the resource revolution !

The Systems & Sensors Team at TOMRA Food is a multi-disciplinary group responsible for the development and integration of illumination, optical imaging, and classification technologies into our sorting platforms. Our work ensures these systems are seamlessly aligned across mechanical, electrical, and software components to deliver high-performance sorting solutions.

This role, based in our Auckland office, sits within a global team that collaborates across disciplines to push the boundaries of what’s possible in food sorting. In addition to core development work, the Systems & Sensors engineer also takes on project-based challenges that require a multi-disciplinary approach — designing, building, and validating innovative solutions to customer problems.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, is comfortable working hands-on, and thrives in a collaborative environment where engineering, creativity, and impact come together.

Responsibilities

• As part of a project team, research and develop possible technical solutions to customer problems, particularly in the fields of optics/illumination/machine vision 
• Generate plans to build, test and benchmark possible solutions to customer problems within project time and budget constraints 
• Data analysis, modelling and dissemination of results 
• Become an expert in TOMRA Food technology and products with unfamiliar fruit types and new/untested features 
• Build relationships with customers to understand our products and technologies in the field and find opportunities for improvement  
• Troubleshoot and solve technical issues 
• Design and validate calibration procedures to ensure that systems perform to the required level during series production of products 
• Work with other members of R&D and the wider business to ensure that design work meets technical and customer requirements, as well as safety, compliance, sustainability, cost, manufacturability and other requirements 
• Occasional site visits domestically and internationally to support existing and new products
• Complete administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner
• Promote a “Safety first” culture throughout the company, our customers, and our industry
• Any other reasonable duties as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Optics, Mechanical, Electronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field
• 1+ years engineering experience in a relevant field 
• Experienced in basic programming and/or modelling tools such as Python 
• Analytical mindset/methodology (design of experiments) 
• Bonus if any of the following skills are present: 
  • Optical design using Zemax 
  • Industrial automation experience 
  • Fabrication skills (metal) and familiarity with power tools 
  • C/C++ embedded firmware 
  • C++/C# software 
  • Electronics (PCB) design 
  • Statistical modelling (PLS, PCA) and understanding of effective statistical sampling techniques 
  • Familiarity with deep learning (AI) training techniques and applications 
• Conscientious and cooperative team player attitude 
• Good communication and presentation skills (verbal and written) 
• Enthusiastic and hands-on with good self-motivation 
• Inquisitive nature, mindset to find out the reason behind problems 
• Accurate general computer skills: knowledge of Word, Excel and Power Point 
• Fluent in English both verbal and in writing 
• Adhere to all safety procedures in the performance of job duties  
• Willingness and ability to travel both within NZ and internationally to customer sites 
• Are considered as a plus: 
  • Forklift driver certificate 

Why work for us: 

• Birthday leave - have a day off on us!
• Onsite car parking
• We love innovation, so we offer a collaborative environment where idea sharing and thinking outside the box is encouraged
• You may also know us as the award-winning kiwi success story we strive for greatness and that is reflected from our history and into our future as TOMRA
• Global career opportunities with a strong record for promoting internally
• Professional training and development: We are passionate about people and seeing them succeed. 
• We care for the planet and want to make a difference for the future
• Kiwisaver employer contribution paid on top of base salary 

At TOMRA we proudly recognise cultural diversity, inclusiveness of thought and individuals to create a great working environment for our employees. So, even if you don’t think you tick all the boxes and the requirements, but you have what it takes, we would still like to hear from you.