Operational Technology - Automation Engineer

Pacific Steel, a wholly owned subsidiary of BlueScope, is New Zealand’s only manufacturer of wire rod, reinforcing bar and coil products.

8-Hour Days, minimum 40 hours per week | Permanent

We’re looking for an experienced Operational Technology - Automation Engineer to join our team at Pacific Steel, based at 259 James Fletcher drive, Otahuhu.

This position is to support and strengthen our plant’s industrial control systems. In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of Operations and IT, ensuring our automation platforms are reliable, secure, and optimised for performance across a complex steel manufacturing environment.

As part of our engineering team, you will design, implement, and maintain critical OT systems—including HMI, SCADA, PLCs, industrial networks, and data systems—while driving continuous improvement in reliability, safety, and efficiency.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll take technical ownership of OT network and automation foundations while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering Services and IT.

Operational Technology networks & infrastructure

• Manage and enhance industrial OT networks and the equipment that resides on them (switching, routing, segmentation, availability and performance).
• Monitor and improve data flow across OT systems and integrations—helping connect legacy environments with modern platforms.

Cybersecurity & risk management in OT

• Apply corporate cybersecurity requirements across OT environments, including vulnerability management and patching of OT devices and networks.
• Contribute to risk management planning to anticipate reliability and security risks that could impact plant operations.

Plant automation & HMI environment

• Maintain and enhance HMIs and other user interfaces on the OT network.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams to resolve issues and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Participate in design and installation specifications, commissioning plans, and acceptance testing (including FAT/SAT as required).

Reliability, performance & continuous improvement

• Define and refine the OT environment to eliminate unplanned downtime and minimise reactive maintenance.
• Work with operations/process teams to lift throughput and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Support lifecycle asset management and champion change management, documentation, and maintainable standards.

Leadership & ways of working

• Contribute improvement ideas, support team members, and work in a way that reflects the expectations described in People Leadership Principles.
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate work to support scheduled operational outcomes (including resource and task planning).

Support expectations: This role may require occasional weekend and after-hours support to keep critical plant systems running.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent) in Electrical / ICT / Computer Science / Automation.
• 5+ years’ OT Automation Engineering experience, ideally within heavy industry.
• Strong knowledge across:
• Operating systems: Windows and Linux
• Programming/scripting: Python, Visual Basic, C++ (or similar)
• Industrial and network protocols: TCP/IP, Modbus/Modbus TCP, Profibus, OPC UA, HTTP/UDP, FTP, NTP/SNTP (and comparable)
• PLC programming
• OT security standards and frameworks such as NIST, IEC 62443 (or similar)
• A practical, organised approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities, partner cross-functionally, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Interest in modern tooling (including AI frameworks) to improve processes and maintenance programs.

What we Offer

The base salary for this role is approximately between $115000 - $125000 which includes appropriate allowances. This role is also eligible to participate in an incentive scheme paid monthly which is subject to company performance.

The applications for this position will be closed on xxx.

Apply online via our careers website with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your OT/automation experience and why this opportunity interests you. Please note applications must be submitted through the online process.

Apply now

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