PLC Technician – Hydro, Wind & Solar Assets

About the role

Meridian Energy is seeking a hands‑on PLC Technician based in Twizel to support its hydro, wind, battery‑energy‑storage and solar generation assets across New Zealand. The role involves diagnosing and repairing PLC faults, carrying out minor modifications and hardware upgrades, and providing commissioning support both on‑site and remotely.

Key responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair Rockwell Automation PLC faults on generation assets, either on‑site or remotely.
• Assist maintenance teams during outages, modifications, testing and other site activities.
• Update and maintain documentation for PLC modifications, ensuring compliance with Meridian standards.
• Ensure all new or altered hardware and software installations meet company safety and performance criteria.
• Provide PLC support for minor and major projects across hydro and wind facilities.

Required profile

• Current New Zealand electrical registration.
• Strong knowledge of Rockwell Automation PLC equipment, especially PLC5 and ControlLogix.
• Proven experience in fault finding, root‑cause investigation and modification of automation installations and OT networks.
• Ability to work with cross‑disciplinary teams and explain technical issues to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to live in or travel regularly to Twizel; knowledge of hydro power equipment is a plus.

Required skills

• Rockwell Automation PLC (PLC5, ControlLogix) programming and hardware.
• Electrical registration (New Zealand).
• Fault finding and root‑cause analysis.
• PLC logic modification and testing.
• OT network configuration and troubleshooting.

What we offer

• Flexible work options to support work‑life balance.
• Competitive salary package reviewed annually with performance incentives.
• Discounts through partner programmes and Southern Cross Healthcare wellbeing scheme.
• Enhanced leave provisions, including extra paid days over holidays and parental leave options.
• Life, trauma and income protection insurance.