Process & Quality Systems Engineer

At New Zealand Steel, we're committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering quality products safely and sustainably. We are seeking a talented Process & Quality Systems Engineer to join our Waikato North Head operation and play a pivotal role in optimising plant performance, maintaining quality systems, and driving continuous improvement across our mining and processing operations.

About the role

Reporting to the Process Engineering Superintendent, this role provides technical leadership across process optimisation, quality assurance, operational data systems, and compliance management.

As the site's subject matter expert for quality systems and process improvement, you will work closely with operations, laboratory, maintenance, engineering, and environmental teams to ensure stable and efficient plant performance while meeting customer, regulatory, and operational requirements

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and analysing process performance across mining, concentration, stockpile management, laboratory operations, and slurry pumping systems.
• Identifying process improvement opportunities that improve recovery, throughput, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Leading process investigations, root cause analyses, plant trials, and technical improvement initiatives.
• Maintaining and improving product quality systems to ensure customer specifications are consistently achieved.
• Managing process and quality reporting systems, dashboards, KPIs, and performance monitoring tools.
• Supporting digitalisation initiatives, including operational reporting and laboratory information systems.
• Maintaining quality management systems in line with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Coordinating quality audits, corrective actions, document control, and compliance activities.
• Managing water quality monitoring programmes and supporting environmental compliance.
• Supporting the ongoing integrity and compliance of the Slurry Pipeline Quality Management System under AS/NZS 2885.

About you

You are an analytical and proactive engineer who enjoys solving complex operational challenges and influencing continuous improvement outcomes. You have strong stakeholder engagement skills and can effectively work across multiple operational teams.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Essential: 

• A tertiary qualification in Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline. 
• At least 3 years' experience in metallurgy, mineral processing, process engineering, quality systems, or a similar technical role. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience interpreting production, laboratory, and quality data. 
• Experience preparing technical reports and supporting operational improvement initiatives. 
• Sound understanding of quality management systems and controlled documentation processes. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. 
• A demonstrated commitment to health, safety, environmental responsibility, and zero harm.

Preferred: 

• Experience within mining, mineral processing, slurry pipeline operations, steelmaking, or heavy manufacturing environments. 
• Internal auditor training or experience with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001 systems. 
• Experience with root cause analysis, risk management, Management of Change, and continuous improvement methodologies. 
• Knowledge of AS/NZS 2885, drinking water compliance requirements, laboratory systems, or mining-related regulatory frameworks. 
• Experience supporting plant trials, capital projects, and commissioning activities

What we offer 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a complex and dynamic operation where you'll have the chance to make a real impact on plant performance, product quality, and continuous improvement outcomes. Working across operations, engineering, quality, environmental compliance, and digital systems, you'll gain broad exposure to a wide range of technical challenges while contributing to the success of one of New Zealand's most significant industrial operations. We offer a supportive and collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, values new ideas, and invests in professional development. Whether you're looking to deepen your technical expertise or expand your career within a leading manufacturing and mining business, this role provides excellent opportunities for growth and development. 

Apply now

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