Sr. 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 industry. 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.

We are seeking a Sr. Systems & Sensors Engineer to join our Auckland office as part of a global, cross-disciplinary team dedicated to advancing the future of food sorting technology. In this role, you’ll contribute to core development work while also taking on project-based challenges that demand a multi-disciplinary approach. You will design, build, and validate innovative solutions that address real customer needs, helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves to solve tough problems, works well with others, and thrives in an environment where engineering, creativity, and teamwork come together to make a difference.

 

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 
• Act as a Technical Lead on projects, acting as a bridge between different engineering disciplines and ensuring that a coherent technical definition of the product is agreed, specified and worked towards, taking into account project timelines and requirements 
• 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
• At least 5 years of experience in a relevant engineering field, with hands-on work on optical or vision systems
• Experience demonstrating technical leadership in R&D projects 
• Experienced with programming and/or modelling tools such as Python 
• Analytical mindset/methodology (design of experiments)
• Good communication, listening and presentation skills (verbal and written) 
• Bonus if any of the following skills are present:• Optical design using Zemax 
• Rapid prototyping experience 
• 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 
• Industrial automation experience 
• Fabrication skills (metal) and familiarity with power tools 

• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally to support existing and new products (10%-20%) 
• Conscientious and cooperative team player attitude
• 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 

Why work for us:

Be part of a mission to transform how we all obtain, use and reuse the planet’s resources to enable a world without waste. We love innovation, a collaborative environment where idea sharing and thinking outside the box is encouraged. 

What we offer:

• Birthday leave - have a day off on us!
• Onsite car parking
• TOMRA provides eight weeks of fully paid parental leave to all eligible employees
• Kiwisaver employer contribution paid on top of base salary
• Global career opportunities with a strong record for promoting internally
• Professional training and development: We are passionate about people and seeing them succeed. 
• 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
• We care for the planet and want to make a difference for the future 

At TOMRA we proudly recognize 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.