Maintenance Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a skilled Maintenance Engineer to join our Consumer engineering team based in Dunsandel. This is a hands-on role where you will play a key part in ensuring critical plant and processing equipment operates safely, reliably and efficiently. You’ll bring strong mechanical or electrical troubleshooting capability, a proactive mindset, and a genuine commitment to health, safety and food quality standards.

You’ll work closely with production, quality and engineering teams to minimise downtime, improve plant reliability and support continuous improvement initiatives across site operations. This role offers the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently in an environment where initiative, problem-solving and technical expertise are highly valued.

This role operates on a rotating roster of 2 days, 2 nights, and 4 days off.

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

About You

You’re a practical and solutions-focused Maintenance Engineer who enjoys working in a production environment and takes pride in delivering high standards of workmanship, reliability, and safety. You will ideally bring:

• Trade qualification, minimum level 4 as a Mechanical Fitter, Electrical or equivalent
• Previous experience in dairy, FMCG, food manufacturing, or processing environments
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical fault-finding and diagnostic capability
• Experience working with automated manufacturing or processing equipment
• Seamer experience would be a bonus but not a requirement
• Strong understanding of preventative maintenance systems and reliability practices
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage competing priorities
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and quality systems
• Flexibility to work rotating day and night shifts
• A proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset

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.