Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician

Company Description

Mai te hiku ki te taurapa, whitikina e te rā 

From the tail of the fish to the tail of the waka, shines the sun 

This whakataukī speaks to our journey across Aotearoa, one waka, one purpose, powered by the natural forces that sustain us. Meridian is Aotearoa’s largest renewable electricity producer, generating energy from the winds of Tāwhirimātea, the waters of Tangaroa, and the warmth of Tama-nui-te-rā.    

Together, our two brands, Meridian and Powershop retail electricity to more than 400,000 homes, businesses and farms across New Zealand. Now that’s a pretty impressive combo!    

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

Meridian is looking for a Twizel‑based PLC Technician to support our hydro, wind, BESS and solar generation assets across New Zealand. This is a hands‑on role involving fault diagnosis and repair, minor modifications and hardware upgrades, and commissioning support, often working directly on site across the generation fleet. 

We’re looking for someone with current NZ electrical registration and experience with Rockwell Automation PLC equipment. You’ll enjoy practical problem‑solving in the field, working across a wide range of assets and projects, and supporting the delivery of Meridian’s growing automation programme. 

Āu mahi | What you’ll be doing 

• Diagnosing and repairing PLC faults and issues on site or remotely. 
• Supporting maintenance teams with site activities (outages, modifications, testing etc) 
• Updating and maintaining documentation for PLC modifications and standards.  
• Ensuring all new and modified physical installation and software is aligned with Meridian Energy standards. 
• Providing PLC support for minor and major projects across hydro and wind assets. 

Ngā pukenga kei a koe mō tēnei tūranga | What you’ll bring 

• Knowledge of Rockwell Automation PLC equipment and systems, especially PLC5 and ControlLogix.​ 
• Current New Zealand electrical registration.​ 
• Experience in fault finding (including root cause investigation) and modification of physical automation installations and OT networks.​ 
• Experience in modification and testing of Rockwell PLC logic and hardware.​ 
• Ability to work with cross-discipline teams and communicate technical problems to non-technical individuals.​ 
• Knowledge of hydro power generating equipment is desirable but not required. 
• You’ll be excited to live in and travel around Twizel! 

Ngā painga ki a mātou | What we can offer 

We value work/life balance, so our flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer: 

• An attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, performance-incentive plus discounts from several partnerships 
• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing one insurance, funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind   
• Enhanced leave provisions: three company paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days additional leave 
• Life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!) 
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions 
• Access to the Meridian employee share scheme 
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself and will help you get there!  
• Award winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it 
• Employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts 
• A one-off $400 payment to support your work from home set-up (if needed) 

He aha koe i hono mai ai ki a mātou? | Why join us?      

We’re a great place to work with plenty of opportunities and career development for those that want it. We value and live by three ‘How to Be’s’: ‘be gutsy’, working together by ‘being in the waka’ and doing the right thing by ‘being a good human’. 

We embrace diversity and inclusion and ensure that everyone feels like they belong, are welcomed, feel valued, and feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. We want all our people to be the best that they can be, so we make sure that there’s room for everyone to be exactly who they are, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including individuals with disabilities, diverse health needs, and those who identify as neurodiverse, because we believe our differences make us stronger. We believe that fun is good for you, and we make sure that our office vibe reflects that. We support each other and celebrate our successes. 

Sustainability sits firmly in our DNA – both socially and environmentally – and we’re doing what we can to help Aotearoa reduce their carbon emissions and we’re helping support others in our generation communities to do the same. 

Tono mai ināianei tonu | Apply now 

All in all, we’re a genuinely great place to work, with meaningful work, supportive teams, and a clear purpose. If this role sounds like a fit and you’re keen to make a real impact on New Zealand’s energy future, apply today and tell us what you’ll bring to the role. 

If you’ve got any questions, please email careers@meridianenergy.co.nz. We’re committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed. Please get in touch if there are parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here: meridianenergy.co.nz/careers). 

View the full PLC Technician JD. 

Advertising closes Thursday 28th May.  

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