Process Engineers

Overview

Join Synlait Milk Limited at their cutting-edge facility in Dunsandel, Canterbury, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming dairy manufacturing. Synlait emphasizes innovation, optimisation, and practical engineering to deliver world-class nutritional products for a healthier world. The Process Engineering roles span from entry-level graduates eager to gain hands-on manufacturing experience to seasoned Senior Process Engineers focusing on technical leadership and operational excellence.

Role Details

These positions offer an opportunity to actively engage on the plant floor alongside operators, production managers, quality experts, and project teams. You will help enhance manufacturing effectiveness, solve operational challenges, and implement continuous improvements. The environment encourages collaboration, growth, and making a meaningful impact daily.

Position Levels and Responsibilities

• Graduate Process Engineer: Immerse yourself in learning about processes such as evaporation, wet blending, pasteurisation, spray drying, and packaging. You will assist in monitoring operations, analysing data to spot improvements, participate in root cause analyses, and contribute to continuous improvement projects from day one. Exposure to project management and new product development is included.
• Process Engineer: Provide engineering support across various manufacturing areas by optimising process parameters to improve yields, efficiency, and quality. Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, analyse operational data for improvement trends, assist during start-ups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and commissioning, and manage small to medium engineering projects.
• Senior Process Engineer: Lead technical efforts to optimise wet blending, evaporation, homogenisation, spray drying, dry blending, and packaging operations. Drive enhancements in plant reliability, throughput, yield, and product quality. Lead complex troubleshooting and root cause investigations, propel Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, contribute technical expertise to capital projects and new product development, mentor junior engineers, and maintain high standards of food safety and operational excellence. A background in microbiology specific to dairy manufacturing is advantageous.

Candidate Profile

• A degree in Chemical, Process, Food, or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Collaborative style with ability to build effective relationships across production, quality, and engineering teams.
• A hands-on, proactive approach with enthusiasm for learning and continuous improvement.
• Experience requirements differ: recent graduates for entry level; 3–5 years in food, dairy, FMCG, pharmaceutical or related manufacturing for mid-level; 5–7+ years with demonstrated technical and leadership skills for senior roles.

About Synlait and Culture

Synlait is a globally recognised leader in milk nutrition committed to "Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World." The company culture is founded on three core values: Be The Difference (curiosity, innovation, impact), We Move as One (teamwork and integrity), and Right on the Mark (accountability and quality). The workplace is inclusive, embraces diverse perspectives, and encourages personal and professional growth.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance with partnerships offering benefits and discounts.
• Generous parental leave policy (Matua policy).
• B Corp certified organisation.
• Access to social club memberships and related activities.

Additional Information

This role is located onsite with a convenient commute and free onsite parking. Candidates must have legal rights to live and work in New Zealand; overseas applicants will only be considered if they hold these rights. Applications should include a CV and cover letter highlighting candidate strengths and compatibility with Synlait's values. Early application is encouraged as the review process is ongoing and the advertisement may close sooner.