Lead Engineer at John Deere

Department: Factory Engineering (CA)

Setup: On-site
Location: Tokoroa, Waikato
Type: Full-time
Level: lead/mgmt
Posted: Sep 27, 2026

Description

Waratah NZ Limited is hiring a full-time Lead Engineer in Tokoroa, New Zealand, to lead the Smart Connected Factory initiative. The role combines manufacturing systems support, automation and digital solutions, data analytics, ERP/MES integration, capital investment projects, root-cause analysis, and training. Candidates need a relevant university degree, at least four years of manufacturing or automation experience, and project-management experience delivering initiatives from concept through implementation.

Required Skills

Manufacturing systems
Industrial automation
Data analytics
Power BI
SQL
Ignition
ERP/MES
Project management
Troubleshooting

Additional Information

Minimum Education: University degree (4 years or equivalent)
Required Previous Experiences: At least 4 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, industrial engineering, or technology
At least 3 years of project management experience delivering initiatives from concept through implementation
Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data integration platforms
Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of Smart Connected Factory, Industry 4.0, IoT, and integrated OT/IT environments
Continuous improvement mindset
Analytical decision-making
Cross-functional communication
Attention to detail
Adaptability and curiosity
Translation Company Name: Waratah NZ Limited