PLC Technician

Company overview

Meridian is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest producer of renewable electricity, harnessing wind, water and solar energy to power homes, businesses and farms nationwide through the Meridian and Powershop brands.

The company’s work is guided by a strong sense of purpose, sustainability and teamwork, with a focus on supporting the country’s transition to lower-carbon energy.

About the role

Meridian is seeking a PLC Technician based in Twizel to help support its hydro, wind, battery energy storage (BESS) and solar generation assets across New Zealand. The position is practical and site-focused, covering fault diagnosis, repairs, small-scale modifications, hardware upgrades and commissioning support.

This role suits someone who enjoys hands-on technical work, solving problems in the field, and contributing to a wider automation programme across a diverse generation fleet.

Key duties

• Investigate PLC faults and resolve issues either on site or through remote support.
• Assist maintenance crews during outages, testing activities, modifications and other site work.
• Keep PLC-related documentation, modification records and standards up to date.
• Make sure new and updated physical installations and software follow Meridian Energy standards.
• Support minor and major projects across hydro and wind assets with PLC expertise.

What you will bring

• Practical knowledge of Rockwell Automation PLC systems, particularly PLC5 and ControlLogix.
• Current New Zealand electrical registration.
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems, including root cause analysis and OT network modifications.
• Hands-on experience modifying and testing Rockwell PLC logic and hardware.
• Ability to work across different disciplines and explain technical issues clearly to non-technical people.
• Experience with hydro generation equipment would be an advantage, though it is not essential.
• Willingness to live in Twizel and travel around the area as needed.

Benefits and support

• Competitive salary package reviewed every year, plus performance incentives and partner discounts.
• Southern Cross Healthcare Wellbeing One insurance for eligible employees.
• Extra leave benefits, including three paid company days over the holiday period, enhanced parental leave and the option to purchase up to 12 additional days.
• Life, trauma and income protection cover.
• Improved KiwiSaver employer contributions.
• Access to the Meridian employee share scheme.
• Strong learning and development support.
• A wellbeing programme designed to provide support when and where it is needed.
• Discounted electricity with Meridian.
• A one-off $400 payment to help set up a work-from-home space, if required.

Why Meridian

Meridian promotes a workplace built on being bold, working together and doing the right thing. The organisation values inclusion, diversity and authenticity, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, varied health needs and neurodivergent individuals.

The company also places a strong emphasis on fun, collaboration, career growth and sustainability, with a clear commitment to reducing emissions and supporting communities across Aotearoa.

Application details

This position is advertised with a closing date of Thursday 28 May. If applicants need support or accessibility assistance during the process, they are encouraged to make contact for help.

Additional note: the employer mentions that the full PLC Technician job description is available.