Skip to content

Research Engineer

Job Name
Research Engineer

General Information

Date Published
16-Feb-2026
Advertising Ends
01-Mar-2026
ID#
14589
Role Type
Science & Technology
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu

Position Description

Our Co-operative
Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

He kupu mō mātou | About us
We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.  In Palmerston North at the Fonterra Research Development Centre (FRDC), we’ve been innovating in dairy for almost 100 years.  

The FRDC is based in Palmerston North and home to a highly collegial team of scientists, technologists, and engineers – many of whom are the world’s leading experts in dairy science with a key purpose to deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development to derive the best value from NZ milk. 

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
We have exciting career opportunities for Research Engineers to become part of our R&D Manufacturing Group based at the Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North on a permanent basis.

Your primary responsibility for this role involves developing novel and scalable processing solutions for large-scale industrial challenges.  You will be part of a team of researching engineers who collectively develop and test processing options in Fonterra’s Pilot Plant prior to scaling to Fonterra’s large manufacturing network.  You will understand the relationships between product quality, capital and operational costs and manufacturing efficiencies of your solutions.  

As a Research Engineer, you will deliver core engineering outputs that have enduring impact. You will maintain expertise in essential engineering disciplines and apply this knowledge to major projects within the R&D Processing group.

Further responsibilities include being actively involved in developing new processes for new products and improving existing processes, building internal networks across Fonterra, thoroughly documenting your work, and assisting in the development of business cases for future R&D or capital investment proposals. 

Key responsibilities include:
  • The development and maintenance of subject matter expertise, both theoretical and practical. 
  • Advocacy and application of fundamental research and engineering approaches to solve complex problems while building knowledge that adds to the discipline. 
  • Timely and quality recording of work done including critical summaries of literature, mathematical approaches, and experimental validations. 
  • Business case development and critique using process economics or through the construction of techno-economic analysis
  • Development and maintenance of a wide network of colleagues throughout Fonterra’s manufacturing and technical teams.   

Mōu | About You
A passion for R&D. Regardless of experience, a deep interest in scientific thinking and methodology, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn quickly, and an ability to work within cross-functional teams is a must.  You will be a team player and enjoy the debate and breadth of thought and experiences that come from working in teams. 

You quickly find common ground and solve problems while offering insights and solutions for improvements. You’ll have creative ideas, good research credentials and processing knowledge.  Most of all, you are ready to develop as an engineer and wanting a career in R&D. 

To be successful in this role you will also need:
  • Postgraduate experience at PhD level or a master's degree with substantial research in Chemical, Process, Bioprocess, BioTech, or related fields.
  • Theoretical process engineering expertise relevant to dairy manufacturing, with strong skills in Ingredients processing and/or evaporation and drying.
  • Exposure to commercial manufacture is ideal but not required.  
  • Exceptional Process Engineering knowledge.   
  • Resilience and the ability to share your ideas with others and a great team player
  • Passion and interest in Research and Development
  • Strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, coupled with strong collaboration and stakeholder management abilities  

Ngā Aura | Our Values 
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • Fair and equitable pay
  • Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career growth support
  • Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
  • Employee recognition
  • Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 01st of March.