Process & Automation Engineer and Operator – Creamery Production

CopperTree Farms is one of the leading suppliers to Australia's best restaurants and food services, supplying high-quality butter, meat and related products. We are continuously improving our infrastructure, technology, systems and processes.

We are looking for a Process & Automation Engineer, with background in food process engineering, systems engineering design and automation to join our butter factory. As a successful candidate, you will be responsible as a technical operator to run all of our advanced systems. This would give you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the company. Amongst others, you will assist an external specialist process consulting engineer and our innovative team to develop our Sydney factory into a cutting edge, state-of-the-art production facility.

The Role:

Join our butter manufacturing team as a Process & Automation Engineer/Operator, where you'll help drive the next generation of smart, efficient, and sustainable food production. You'll play a hands-on role developing and optimising automation systems that keep our production lines running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. This is a hands-on leadership role blending technical mastery with strategic foresight.

Key Responsibilities:

· Design, develop, and optimise control software using Siemens TIA Portal V19, as updated, continually improving the existing systems.

· Collaborate with process engineers, operators, and maintenance teams to improve workflow efficiency and minimise downtime and wastage.

· Create intuitive HMI/SCADA interfaces and visual dashboards for real-time process monitoring, including HACCP data capture and reporting, or participate to continuously improve existing systems.

· Create/improve 3D facility layouts optimising material flow, hygiene zoning, energy efficiency and expansions.

· Integrate sensors, control loops, and data logging systems to support process optimisation and traceability, and contribute towards better integration.

· Assist with commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement projects across all automation systems in the butter production line.

· Contribute to the development of training tools, simulations, and visual SOPs to upskill plant operators and enhance system reliability.

· Maintain as-built layouts, P&IDs and process documentation.

About You:

· Tertiary applicable qualification in Electrical, Mechatronic, or Process Engineering (or equivalent). With extensive experience in food industry automation, a tertiary qualification in Software Engineering or other related B.Sc. degree may also be considered.

· Proven experience of 7+ years in industrial automation and software development, ideally within the food or FMCG sector.

· Strong proficiency in Siemens TIA Portal and familiarity with SCADA systems and PLC control logic.

· Practical understanding of process instrumentation, control systems, and manufacturing operations.

· A proactive, solutions-focused mindset — you enjoy problem-solving and finding creative ways to improve performance.

· Ability to simplify complex systems and to improve user-friendly software solutions.

· Ability to collaborate with external designers, operator team, maintenance and technology suppliers.

· (Bonus) Experience with dairy or butter processing, CIP integration or reclaim automation.

· Access to AI-driven process simulation.

· Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving, stakeholder communication and project management (in Waterfall or Agile).

What's on Offer:

· Competitive salary plus profit share and bonus opportunities after probation.

· Employee discounts on our products.

· On-site parking and a supportive, hands-on team environment.

· Ongoing training and career development opportunities with a leading food manufacturer.

Ready to Design the Future?

Apply now with your resume/CV (preferably with portfolio), and a cover letter showcasing your most impactful projects.