Who We Are
Integrity. Quality. Commitment and Innovation.
These are our values and not only what we stand by but what we stand for. We believe in empowering people. We create and deliver solutions. We give back to community. We think differently and we do it better. Our innovative spirit has driven us to continually evolve and deliver solutions to our dealers and our community and made us a business that our people are proud of and proud to work for.
Waratah NZ Limited (a John Deere Company) has proudly served the global forestry industry for more than 50 years, pioneering mechanized harvesting with first-class products of distinct quality, durability, and reliability paired with unparalleled customer support.
With John Deere, we run so life can leap forward. This powerful purpose is our promise to humankind that we will dream, design, and deliver breakthrough products that sustain our world for generations to come.. And we live up to the legacy our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith's shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. A culture where great ideas thrive because every voice is heard.
Title: Connectivity & Digital Solutions Specialist
Primary Location: New Zealand - Tokoroa
Job Grade: 7
Hiring Manager: Douglas Thomson
At Waratah, we're committed to staying at the forefront of forestry technology innovation.
As our Controls Engineer - Digital Solutions, you will own and lead the digital and connectivity side of Waratah's control systems, focusing on the technologies that sit beyond direct machine control and enable smarter, more connected operations.
This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and supporting digital technologies that add value across the entire production system. Working closely with customers, internal teams, and John Deere Forestry (JDF), you'll help ensure Waratah remains a clear technology leader while contributing to the future of machine connectivity, analytics, digital twins, and autonomy.
As connectivity solutions such as 5G, JDLink, Starlink, and remote diagnostics continue to mature, this role will play a critical part in scaling digital solutions and transforming machine data into actionable customer insights.
Leading the development and support of online and offline mapping capabilities.
Managing hardware, configuration, administration, and integration into machine data systems.
Supporting and advancing connectivity solutions, including Starlink, JDBoost, and JDLink.
Growing Waratah's analytics and reporting capabilities.
Develop and enhance Waratah's customer-facing mobile applications.
Supporting digital modelling and simulation environments, including 3D head models, digital twins, and virtual testing platforms.
Coordinating Waratah's Technology Development Process (TDP) initiatives and technology roadmap activities.
Collaborating with John Deere Forestry and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless digital integration across products and platforms.
Identifying emerging technologies and digital opportunities that improve customer outcomes and operational performance.
Success in this role comes from your ability to bridge the gap between machine control systems and the broader digital ecosystem.
You'll bring:
Strong understanding of data flow, system integration, connectivity, and cloud-based solutions.
The ability to work independently and quickly learn new technologies.
Confidence collaborating across functions, disciplines, and international teams.
Strong analytical thinking and the ability to transform complex machine data into meaningful insights.
A practical, customer-focused mindset that turns innovative concepts into scalable solutions.
The ability to balance day-to-day delivery with longer-term technology development and strategy.
As the role evolves, you'll also help shape the future of analytics, machine connectivity, remote diagnostics, AI-enabled insights, and the data foundations that support increasing levels of automation and autonomy.
Holds a qualification in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Development, Data Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Has experience working with connectivity, telematics, IoT, industrial equipment, machinery, automotive, or related technology environments.
Understands software development, APIs, cloud services, and systems architecture.
Has experience integrating hardware, software, and data systems across multiple teams and platforms.
Is comfortable working with data, analytics, and digital technologies.
Is naturally curious and enjoys solving complex problems through practical innovation.
Takes ownership and follows projects through to successful deployment.
Can work autonomously while remaining highly collaborative.
Enjoys experimenting with new technologies and learning emerging tools, including AI and advanced analytics.
Is motivated by solving real customer problems and creating technology solutions that make a measurable impact.
What you’ll get in return
At Waratah, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go. Here, you'll enjoy the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement.
We are a Global company that truly values its people and provides a broad range of benefits which include a competitive remuneration package, flexible working, social activities, health and safety programs and ongoing training and development opportunities.
We embrace and strive for a workforce that is as diverse, talented and passionate as the communities in which we live and operate, and to provide a workplace where people feel included, valued and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and believe that by understanding and respecting each other’s differences we will perform at our best!
What you need to do now
If you have the experience outlined above, and the passion to succeed, we would love to hear from you!
Please click the 'APPLY' button now and send through your resume and cover letter detailing your previous relevant experience and why you are the perfect candidate for our team.
Applications for this position will close at close of business 18th December 2026
Note: Appropriate work authorisations are required in this country prior to application.
Waratah are proud to be Waikato Business Award Winners in People and Culture Category & International Trade Category 2026
Skills Required
- Qualification in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Development, Data Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Experience with connectivity, telematics, IoT, industrial equipment, machinery, automotive, or related technology environments
- Understanding of software development, APIs, cloud services, and systems architecture
- Experience integrating hardware, software, and data systems across multiple teams and platforms
- Comfort working with data, analytics, and digital technologies
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across functions and international teams
- Ability to learn emerging technologies, including AI and advanced analytics
- Ability to take ownership of projects through successful deployment
John Deere Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about John Deere and has not been reviewed or approved by John Deere.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, with union‑represented employees retaining high‑value plans with no premiums or deductibles under the 2021–2027 agreement. Company materials also highlight broad medical options, wellness resources, and inclusive care navigation.
-
Retirement Support — The package includes a 401(k) with company match and, for many represented roles and some salaried groups, access to a defined‑benefit pension. Contract updates and company filings indicate sustained retirement programs with enhancements for covered employees.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation scales up to five weeks with additional holidays, and some units allow purchasing extra time off. Materials also reference paid parental and caregiver leave alongside flexible work arrangements where roles allow.
John Deere Insights
What We Do
Life can’t evolve without innovation. That’s why we’re ideating to help feed the planet, build smarter, and help our farmers and growers to sustainably optimize their land. The mission is underway, but we need the right people to continue bringing it to life. From coders to assemblers and from engineers and tech experts to marketers and field teams. All find a purpose to drive them, a culture to thrive in, and a world of opportunities.
Why Work With Us
Our company is more than just a place to work. For John Deere employees, it’s where we dream, design, and deliver machines and technology that help feed a rapidly growing world and build critical infrastructure in villages, towns and modern megacities.
Gallery
.png)
