Project Engineer – Dryer

Design the spray dryers that shape New Zealand dairy

Every day, much of the milk that leaves New Zealand farms is turned into powder through spray drying technology that someone engineered. This is your chance to be that engineer - on some of the largest and most technically demanding capital projects in the industry.

About us

GEA is one of the world's largest systems suppliers to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our Nutrition Plant Engineering (NPE) Division designs and delivers the processing plants behind products used around the world - from concept and design through to installation, commissioning and lifetime service. When a customer needs a world-class spray drying solution, they come to us.

The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced process engineer for the position of  Project Engineer – Dryer to join our Auckland engineering team at a genuinely exciting time. Our order book is strong and the next two years are shaping up to be some of our busiest yet.

You'll own the technical delivery of spray drying plant - spray dryers, fluid beds, air handling and heating, powder handling, CIP and associated powder processing systems - from the first mass balance right through to the moment the plant runs on site. It's rare to get that full arc of responsibility in one role, and rarer still to get it on projects of this scale.

What you'll do

• Take technical ownership of spray dryer projects from design through to commissioning

• Develop process designs, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing to GEA and customer standards

• Turn customer requirements into detailed specifications for suppliers and subcontractors

• Push the boundaries on energy efficiency and steam consumption across drying, air heating and heat recovery systems

• Partner with sales on scope, budgets and costings

• Safeguard process integrity, powder quality, hygienic design and explosion protection compliance

• Get on site - supporting installation and leading commissioning through to handover

This role is based in our Mount Wellington (Auckland) office. This is a permanent, full-time position with a minimum guaranteed 40 hours per week (typically Monday to Friday). Some additional hours may be required at times to meet project deadlines. Travel to customer sites and/or project locations (nationwide) will be required, depending on project needs.

The base salary is between NZ$130,000 and NZ$170,000 gross per annum, depending on experience. On top of the base salary, the total remuneration package includes medical insurance and overtime payments and may include eligibility to participate in GEA’s global bonus scheme. Allowances are also payable when travel is required.

What you'll bring

• 10+ years' process engineering experience in dairy, food or beverage, with hands-on exposure to spray drying or powder processing plant

• A track record delivering capital projects from design through to commissioning

• Strong grounding in spray drying technology, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, powder handling and hygienic plant design

• A university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, or equivalent

• A methodical, quality-focused approach and the communication skills to bring people with you

• Willingness to travel to project sites across New Zealand (nationwide), Australia and internationally, for periods of approximately four months or more per year (not consecutively)

What's in it for you

Competitive remuneration, GEA's global bonus scheme, Southern Cross medical insurance, EAP, wellbeing initiatives, birthday leave and a Company Day off to name a few. Beyond that: exposure to world-leading process technology, a team that genuinely backs each other, and a global organisation where career paths open up across countries and divisions - not just up one ladder.

Our values

At GEA we stand for Responsibility, Integrity, Diversity, Passion and Excellence. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome all applications and consider every applicant equally.

Successful applicants will have full working rights in New Zealand and be required to undergo background checks and drug and alcohol testing.  Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand or be able to meet relevant immigration requirements.

Ready to build something that lasts? Apply now.