Positioning & Controls Test Automation Engineer

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Christchurch, Canterbury, NZL
In-Office
Mid level
Hardware • Information Technology • Other • Software • Analytics
The Role
Develop automated SIL/HIL testing for positioning and controls systems used in autonomous agricultural machinery. Responsibilities include configuring HIL testbenches, writing Python and MATLAB test scripts, analyzing sensor and positioning data, supporting field data collection, and collaborating with hardware, embedded software, and systems teams on validation requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In

Accelerate the Future of Autonomous Agriculture with Trimble!


Are you ready to make a tangible impact on advanced agricultural technology? Trimble is looking for a passionate problem-solver like you to help us transform off-highway machinery and shape the future of positioning systems!


What Makes This Role Great:

  • You will be at the forefront of migrating physical vehicle testing to automated SIL/HIL environments, directly accelerating development cycles and enhancing product quality for global agriculture industries.

Key Exciting Responsibilities:

  • Stand up HIL testbenches and develop automated scripts using platforms like NI VeriStand.
  • Write and maintain model and software test cases in Python and MATLAB to maximize code coverage.
  • Build and refine data analysis tools to clearly present positioning and sensor performance baselines to development teams.
  • Support engineering teams with in-field vehicle data logging and real-world testing.
  • Partner collaboratively across hardware, embedded software, and systems teams to define robust test requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related technical field.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in test automation, systems validation, or robotics/controls testing.
  • Proficiency in Python for automation, scripting, and data analysis, along with familiarity with Linux environments and version control systems like Git.
  • Solid understanding of positioning technologies and principles such as GNSS, IMUs, odometry, or sensor fusion.
  • Strong willingness and ability to travel up to 15% for on-site field testing and data collection.

Bonus Points For:

  • Up to 10 years of progressive experience in autonomous or semi-autonomous machinery, automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment validation.
  • Direct experience configuring HIL hardware/software setups and I/O instrumentation.
  • Deep understanding of sensor fusion algorithms, Kalman filtering, or GNSS-INS systems and off-highway CAN protocols like J1939 and NMEA 2000.
  • Ability to read, debug, modify, or write embedded C/C++ code directly.

Logistics:


Please note: Only applicants who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered. 


Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (In Office)
Our office in Christchurch, New Zealand (handily located on the Little River Link Cycleway), is the engineering center in our region and home to over 450 staff, offering free parking, an on-site fully featured gym, changing rooms & showers, table tennis, an active social club, and a great team environment where people love working with leading technology solutions. ​

Travel Requirement: Up to 15%


Keywords: automation engineer, test automation, positioning systems, controls testing, python, matlab, hil, sil, gnss, robotics, mechatronics, christchurch jobs

How to Apply: Please submit an online application for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button located in this posting.

Join a Values-Driven Team: Belong, Grow, Innovate. 

At Trimble, our core values of Belong, Grow, and Innovate aren't just words—they're the foundation of our culture. We foster an environment where you are seen, heard, and valued (Belong); where you have an opportunity to build a career and drive our collective growth (Grow); and where your innovative ideas shape the future (Innovate). We believe in empowering local teams to create impactful strategies, ensuring our global vision resonates with every individual. Become part of a team where your contributions truly matter. 

Candidate Privacy Notices by Country

If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related technical field
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in test automation, systems validation, or robotics/controls testing
  • Proficiency in Python for automation, scripting, and data analysis
  • Familiarity with Linux environments
  • Familiarity with Git or other version control systems
  • Understanding of positioning technologies including GNSS, IMUs, odometry, or sensor fusion
  • Ability to travel up to 15% for on-site field testing and data collection
  • Experience in autonomous or semi-autonomous machinery, automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment validation
  • Experience configuring HIL hardware/software setups and I/O instrumentation
  • Understanding of sensor fusion algorithms, Kalman filtering, GNSS-INS systems, J1939, and NMEA 2000
  • Ability to read, debug, modify, or write embedded C/C++ code

Trimble Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Trimble and has not been reviewed or approved by Trimble.

  • Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase plan with a discount and lookback, plus RSUs in some roles, makes equity participation accessible. The ESPP is often highlighted as a standout part of the package.
  • Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave in the U.S. is characterized as solid and well-regarded. This support is repeatedly positioned as a strength within the broader benefits offering.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO is described as generous, with some groups using flexible or unlimited models. Paid holidays and flexible time-off approaches contribute meaningfully to work-life support.

Trimble Insights

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The Company
HQ: Westminster, CO
10,001 Employees

What We Do

Trimble is transforming the way the world works by delivering products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. From purpose built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com. Trimble products are used in over 141 countries around the world. Employees in more than 30 countries, coupled with a highly capable network of dealers and distribution partners serve and support customers worldwide. As the market leader in most of our businesses, we offer a compelling value proposition to our customers based on productivity, return on investment and environmental stewardship. Come position yourself with an innovative industry leader and position yourself for success.

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