Project Engineer - Mechanical

Design and deliver innovative packaging machinery and mechanical solutions for customers across the dairy, food and beverage sectors, backed by the resources of a global engineering group. This role offers genuine variety - taking projects from concept and design through to installation and commissioning - for an engineer who enjoys seeing their work come to life on the ground. About Us GEA is one of the world's largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally. GEA Avapac is a New Zealand-based specialist in the design and manufacture of high-quality packaging machinery and packing line solutions for the dairy, food and beverage industries. With a strong engineering heritage and the support of GEA's global network, we deliver tailored solutions across the full product lifecycle - from design, installation and commissioning through to ongoing service and support. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer – Mechanical to design, develop and support innovative packaging machinery and mechanical solutions for customers across the dairy, food and beverage sectors. You will take ownership of mechanical project activities from design through installation and commissioning, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, engineering standards and GEA quality expectations. This role offers the opportunity to work across exciting engineering projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, customers, fabricators, suppliers and installation contractors. Key Responsibilities Develop mechanical designs, layouts, specifications and engineering documentation. Support tendering and project scoping activities through technical input and solution development. Manage assigned projects through planning, procurement, installation and commissioning. Coordinate workshops, subcontractors, fabricators and installation teams. Provide technical support for manufacturing, installation, commissioning and after-sales service. Produce risk assessments, commissioning documentation and operation and maintenance manuals. Conduct troubleshooting and identify improvements to equipment performance and reliability. Support development of standard designs, engineering guides and lessons learned. Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, safety reviews and continuous improvement initiatives. Travel to customer sites for supervision, commissioning and technical support activities. About You You are a practical engineer who enjoys seeing projects progress from concept through to commissioning. You have strong technical capability combined with excellent stakeholder management and problem-solving skills. You Will Have: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline. 3+ years' experience in mechanical engineering, design engineering or project delivery. Experience working in food, dairy, beverage, packaging or industrial manufacturing environments. Knowledge of mechanical design, fabrication, machine safety and hygienic design principles. Experience using CAD platforms such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Strong communication, organisation and project management skills. Experience working with customers, subcontractors and multidisciplinary engineering teams. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally when required. What We Offer Competitive remuneration package Eligibility for GEA's global bonus scheme Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Health and wellbeing initiatives Free Parking Company and Birthday Day off Exposure to leading packaging and process technologies within a global organisation Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities Our Values At GEA we stand for Responsibility, Integrity, Diversity, Passion and Excellence. If you share the same values, we would like to hear from you. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please note: to be successful in this role you will require full working rights in New Zealand and will be required to undergo background checks as well as drug and alcohol testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr