📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Prototyping Engineer
Company: Tomra
Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering - Mechanical
Date Posted: 2025-06-05
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Role Summary
- Responsible for the entire lifecycle of prototype machines, from rapid prototyping to testing and documentation
- Collaborates with development teams to create and improve sorting and inspection concepts
- Primary mechanical role with additional electrical and electronics aptitudes required
- Travel up to 70% of time, domestically and internationally
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong mechanical background with additional electrical and electronics skills. The travel requirement is significant, with up to 70% of time spent traveling domestically and internationally.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Design, specify, and/or fabricate test equipment and data acquisition systems
- Assemble prototypes and perform warehouse activities related to prototype building
- Quote and order parts through the parts ordering process and track those parts to meet project deadlines
- Work closely with other development teams to create new sorting and inspection concepts or improve existing machines
- Install and test new sorting and inspection machines both in-house and at first lead customers
- Perform optical alignment and calibration of sorter and inspection systems
- Perform acceptance runs tests to ensure consistent and sufficient compliance testing and documentation
- Perform quality assurance checks on all hardware prior to shipment
- Analyze, interpret, and document test results
- Create documentation to make the transfer of production to the operations department possible
- Design/develop acceptance test procedures of systems and subsystems based on direction from engineering teams and field feedback to ensure proper configuration/functionality of all production units
- Provide feedback to the product development team regarding functionality, ease-of-use, and performance of software/hardware
- Play an active role in the industrialization of new machines in close collaboration with the operation sites abroad, including traveling
- Provide support to service and operations departments as needed, including traveling
- Provide technical guidance to other team members
- Maintain a clean and tidy Development Centre work environment
- Maintain a well-organized stock of consumables and prototyping parts
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, from mechanical assembly and testing to quality assurance and documentation. The role also requires significant travel, up to 70% of the time.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering
Experience: 1-5 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience, with industry exposure being an advantage
Required Skills:
- Primarily Mechanical experience and aptitude
- CAD modeling - Solidworks experience beneficial
- Electrical, electronics and optical experience or aptitude beneficial
- Effective troubleshooting skills
- Conscientious and cooperative team player attitude
- Ability to self-motivate
- Inquisitive nature, mindset to find out the reason behind problems
Preferred Skills:
- Industry exposure
- Ability to work in various environments, including food processing plants, farms, cold storage facilities, and outside in high/low temperatures
- Willingness and ability to work overtime, as requested
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a primarily mechanical background, with additional electrical and electronics skills being beneficial. The role also requires a strong team player attitude and the ability to self-motivate.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate a strong mechanical background with examples of prototype development, assembly, and testing
- Include any relevant electrical or electronics projects that showcase your aptitude in these areas
- Highlight any experience with CAD modeling, specifically Solidworks
- Showcase your troubleshooting skills with examples of problems you've faced and how you resolved them
Process Documentation:
- Include documentation of the entire lifecycle of a prototype machine, from concept to testing and validation
- Demonstrate your ability to create clear and concise technical documentation
📝 Enhancement Note: While this role does not explicitly require a portfolio, demonstrating your mechanical, electrical, and electronics skills through relevant projects will strengthen your application.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Auckland, New Zealand, for a candidate with 2-5 years of experience is approximately NZD 70,000 - 90,000 per year. This range is based on market research and design industry standards for mechanical engineering roles.
Benefits:
- Birthday leave - have a day off on us!
- Onsite car parking
- Professional training and development opportunities
- Kiwisaver employer contribution paid on top of base salary
Working Hours: Full-time, with the ability to work overtime as requested. The role requires up to 70% travel, domestically and internationally.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and design industry standards for mechanical engineering roles in Auckland, New Zealand. The benefits listed are based on the information provided by the company.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Automation Machinery Manufacturing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1972 (TOMRA Group), with the food division established in 1989
Team Structure:
- The Prototyping Engineer role is part of the Development Centre team, working closely with other development teams to create and improve sorting and inspection concepts
- The role reports directly to the Development Centre Manager and works collaboratively with other engineers, technicians, and support staff
Methodology:
- The company uses a structured development process, including rapid prototyping, testing, and validation
- TOMRA Food operates centers of excellence, regional offices, and manufacturing locations worldwide
Company Website: TOMRA Food
📝 Enhancement Note: TOMRA Food is a member of the TOMRA Group, which was founded in 1972 and began with the design, manufacturing, and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers. The food division was established in 1989 and specializes in sensor-based sorting, peeling, and integrated post-harvest solutions for the food industry.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This role is at the intermediate level, requiring 1-5 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience. The role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Prototyping Engineer reports directly to the Development Centre Manager and works collaboratively with other engineers, technicians, and support staff.
Design Impact: The role has a significant impact on the development and improvement of sorting and inspection concepts, contributing to the company's mission to maximize food safety and minimize food loss.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Senior Prototyping Engineer or other senior roles within the Development Centre or other departments
- Opportunities to work on larger, more complex projects as experience and skills develop
- Potential to move into project management, team leadership, or other specialized roles
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for career progression within the company, with potential to move into senior roles, project management, or specialized positions as experience and skills develop.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: The Development Centre is a dedicated workspace for prototyping, testing, and collaboration, with access to various tools, equipment, and resources.
Office Location(s): The Development Centre is located in Auckland, New Zealand, with opportunities for travel to customer sites and other TOMRA locations domestically and internationally.
Design Workspace Context:
- The Development Centre provides a collaborative environment for prototyping, testing, and documentation
- Access to various tools, equipment, and resources, including CAD software, rapid prototyping machines, and testing facilities
- Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other engineers, technicians, and support staff
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the ability to work overtime as requested. The role requires up to 70% travel, domestically and internationally.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Development Centre provides a dedicated workspace for prototyping, testing, and collaboration, with access to various tools, equipment, and resources. The role requires significant travel, up to 70% of the time.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- Initial phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- Technical interview to discuss mechanical, electrical, and electronics skills, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- On-site visit to the Development Centre to tour the facilities, meet the team, and discuss the role in more detail
- Final interview with the Development Centre Manager to assess cultural fit and make a hiring decision
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight mechanical, electrical, and electronics projects that demonstrate your aptitude and skills
- Include examples of troubleshooting and problem-solving, showcasing your ability to find the root cause of issues and implement effective solutions
- Demonstrate your ability to create clear and concise technical documentation
- Showcase your understanding of the role and the company's mission to maximize food safety and minimize food loss
Challenge Preparation:
- Prepare for technical questions related to mechanical, electrical, and electronics concepts, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Research the company and the role to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values
- Prepare questions for the interview team to showcase your interest in the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, CAD Modeling, Solidworks, Electrical Aptitude, Electronics Aptitude, Optical Aptitude, Troubleshooting, Team Player, Self-Motivated, Inquisitive Nature, Prototyping, Testing, Documentation, Quality Assurance, Collaboration, Communication, Food Processing, Food Safety, Food Loss
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role involves multiple stages, including a technical interview and an on-site visit to the Development Centre. The portfolio review focuses on mechanical, electrical, and electronics projects, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- CAD modeling - Solidworks (beneficial)
- Rapid prototyping machines (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines)
- Testing and measurement equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes)
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN)
Research & Testing:
- Data acquisition and analysis software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB)
- Optical inspection and measurement equipment (e.g., cameras, microscopes)
- Quality assurance and control software (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001)
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary design tools for this role include CAD modeling, rapid prototyping machines, and testing and measurement equipment. Collaboration and handoff tools include Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and version control systems. Research and testing tools include data acquisition and analysis software, optical inspection and measurement equipment, and quality assurance and control software.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Innovation: Encourage idea sharing and thinking outside the box to drive continuous improvement and innovation
- Passion: Demonstrate a strong commitment to the role, the team, and the company's mission
- Responsibility: Take care of customers, products, and fellow employees by promoting a safe and responsible mindset
- Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and drive success
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional collaboration with other development teams to create and improve sorting and inspection concepts
- Regular team meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions to maintain a strong and cohesive team
- Open communication and active listening to ensure all voices are heard and valued
📝 Enhancement Note: The design values for this role emphasize innovation, passion, responsibility, and collaboration. The collaboration style involves cross-functional collaboration with other development teams, regular team meetings, and open communication.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Keeping up with the latest mechanical, electrical, and electronics technologies and trends
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously, with varying priorities and deadlines
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with frequent changes and updates
- Traveling up to 70% of the time, domestically and internationally, with potential disruptions to personal and family life
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Attend industry conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices
- Seek mentorship opportunities from senior engineers and other experienced team members
- Pursue relevant certifications and online courses to enhance skills and knowledge
- Engage in on-the-job training and development opportunities, such as shadowing other team members or working on special projects
📝 Enhancement Note: The design challenges for this role include keeping up with the latest technologies, managing multiple projects, working in a fast-paced environment, and traveling up to 70% of the time. Learning and development opportunities include attending industry conferences, seeking mentorship, pursuing relevant certifications, and engaging in on-the-job training and development opportunities.
💡 Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Describe your experience with mechanical, electrical, and electronics concepts and how you've applied them in previous roles
- Walk us through a complex troubleshooting scenario you've faced and how you resolved it
- Explain your approach to documentation and how you ensure clear and concise communication of technical information
Company Culture Questions:
- How do you align with the company's values of innovation, passion, responsibility, and collaboration?
- Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team and how you've contributed to a positive and productive team environment
- How do you approach working with diverse stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and internal teams?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Highlight mechanical, electrical, and electronics projects that demonstrate your aptitude and skills
- Include examples of troubleshooting and problem-solving, showcasing your ability to find the root cause of issues and implement effective solutions
- Demonstrate your ability to create clear and concise technical documentation
- Showcase your understanding of the role and the company's mission to maximize food safety and minimize food loss
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role involves discussing mechanical, electrical, and electronics concepts, troubleshooting scenarios, and documentation approaches. Additionally, the interview focuses on the company's values and working with diverse stakeholders.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Prototyping Engineer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your mechanical, electrical, and electronics projects, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience, with a focus on mechanical engineering, CAD modeling, and troubleshooting
- Research the company and the role to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values
- Prepare questions for the interview team to showcase your interest in the role and the company
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.