Discover the latest pharmaceutical, medical device and engineering job opportunities across New Zealand — Validation Team Leader, Quality Specialist, R&D Engineers (Mechanical & Processing), Quality Lead, Engineering Projects Managers, Senior Process Project Engineer, Process Project Engineer and Animal Services Manager.
New Zealand Pharmaceutical & Engineering careers overview
New Zealand’s life sciences, food processing and engineering sectors continue to grow, creating high-quality career opportunities across validation, quality assurance, research & development (R&D), and engineering project leadership. Whether you’re a validation specialist looking to lead teams in Auckland, an R&D engineer ready to scale lab innovations into GMP manufacturing in Hamilton, or a quality professional experienced with RMPs and MPI requirements, the current market offers roles that blend technical depth with leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Nine high-value roles currently recruiting across New Zealand: Validation Team Leader, Quality Specialist, R&D Engineers (Processing and Mechanical), Quality Lead (part-time), multiple Engineering Projects Manager positions, Senior Process Project Engineer, Process Project Engineer, and an Animal Services Manager role.
Why these roles matter
Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, together with food and dairy processing, require rigorous quality systems, validated processes, and leaders who can drive compliance and scale-up. Regulatory bodies such as Medsafe (NZ), MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries), and international authorities (FDA, EMA) demand documented, validated systems — creating high demand for professionals with IQ/OQ/PQ experience, tech transfer capability, and GMP expertise.
Simultaneously, the rise in polymer-based drug delivery systems, composite materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques has increased demand for engineers who can translate lab-scale innovations into validated manufacturing processes. Project engineering roles remain critical as companies invest in expansions, automation, and new product introductions. For animal research and husbandry facilities, experienced managers are essential to balance welfare, regulatory compliance, and production needs.
1. Validation Team Leader — Pharmaceuticals (Auckland, North Island)
Role summary
Lead validation delivery across a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing site. Execute and approve validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ; ideally DQ/SQ), manage the validation master plan, mentor junior validators, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure validation timelines align with production and quality requirements.
Key requirements & skills
- Tertiary qualification in a scientific discipline (pharmacy, chemistry, biotechnology, engineering).
- Minimum 5 years direct process and equipment validation experience; 8+ years preferred for deeper complexity.
- Proven experience authoring and approving IQ, OQ, PQ protocols and reports; familiarity with DQ/SQ is advantageous.
- Deep understanding of regulatory expectations: Medsafe, FDA, EMA or equivalent.
- Strong leadership: mentoring, workload management, and cross-functional influence.
- Excellent documentation skills, risk assessment, and deviation/corrective action handling.
- Computer literacy and experience with validation tools/systems.
Why this role is attractive
- Lead role with direct impact on product quality and regulatory compliance.
- Opportunity to shape validation strategy and mentor a growing team.
- Work within a regulated, high-integrity environment with cross-functional exposure.
How to apply
Confidential enquiries or applications: Tony De Barr — 04 916 0541 | tony@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips for Validation Team Leader
- Emphasize specific validation projects: include equipment names, validation types (IQ/OQ/PQ), scope, timelines, and outcomes.
- Quantify results: reduced deviations, time-to-qualification, successful inspections.
- Include a validation master plan example outline (high level) in your cover letter or portfolio.
- Prepare to discuss a real-world deviation you resolved and the CAPA implemented.
- Show leadership examples: training, mentoring, cross-functional project leadership.
2. Quality Specialist (QA) — (Sector: Meat, Dairy, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceuticals)
Role summary
Maintain QA operations and ensure compliance with customer and regulatory quality and food safety standards. Manage programs including RMP, HACCP, SOP, GMP, and liaise with regulatory bodies such as MPI.
Key requirements & skills
- Science-related tertiary qualification.
- Minimum 5 years commercial QA experience — preferably in meat, dairy, pharma, or nutraceuticals.
- Experience managing RMPs, working with MPI, and understanding OMARs (Official Methods and Regulations).
- Strong documentation, auditing, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
Why this role is attractive
- Broad exposure to quality systems across regulated sectors.
- Hands-on influence on QA program effectiveness and product safety.
- Opportunity to lead audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and regulatory interactions.
How to apply
Submit CV and cover letter. Confidential enquiries: Olivia Lawrence — 04 916 0536 | olivia@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips for Quality Specialist
- Provide examples of RMP management, audit outcomes, and corrective actions.
- Highlight HACCP, GMP, and SOP development experience.
- Include measurable achievements: audit score improvements, reduction in non-conformances, successful product release rates.
- Be ready to discuss a time you liaised with a regulator and the outcome.
3. R&D Engineer (Processing) — Hamilton (on-site only)
Role summary
Support process development for polymer-drug composites and transfer new technologies into molding and extrusion manufacturing. Focus on scaling lab processes to pilot and GMP production for clinical trials and commercial supply.
Key requirements & skills
- Tertiary qualification in materials, process, or chemical engineering.
- Experience in polymer science, composite development, and plastic molding/extrusion.
- At least 2 years cGMP operations experience; prior tech transfer and validation exposure.
- Strong CAD (SolidWorks) skills and the ability to translate designs for manufacturing.
- Excellent documentation and regulatory awareness for clinical supply production.
Why this role is attractive
- Work at the interface of R&D and manufacturing — high innovation and technical challenge.
- Hands-on role with clear impact on bringing products to clinical and commercial stages.
- Collaborative environment with Chief Scientific Officer and cross-functional teams.
How to apply
Confidential enquiry: Tony De Barr — 04 916 0541 | tony@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips for R&D Engineer (Processing)
- Detail specific scale-up projects: material composition, processing conditions, and outcomes.
- Show experience with molding/extrusion parameters and how you solved issues during scale-up.
- Include SolidWorks models or examples (non-confidential) to demonstrate CAD competency.
- Discuss GMP documentation you developed during transfer activities.
4. Quality Lead (Part-time) — Medical devices / Pharmaceuticals
Role summary
Hands-on Quality Lead responsible for daily QMS tasks: audits, customer feedback handling, compliance with international standards, and maintaining quality processes. Part-time role (20–25 hrs/week) with flexibility but availability for occasional day-long audits.
Key requirements & skills
- Relevant tertiary qualification in science or technology.
- QA experience in pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing.
- Audit leadership, QMS maintenance, customer complaint management.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and hands-on approach.
- Full NZ working rights.
Why this role is attractive
- Flexible part-time hours with meaningful responsibility.
- Opportunity to impact growing company quality systems and international compliance.
- Good role for experienced QA professionals seeking part-time work.
How to apply
Apply via the relevant APPLY button or contact Olivia Lawrence — olivia@trs.co.nz | 04 916 0536
CV & interview tips for Quality Lead
- Emphasize audit leadership and examples where you maintained or improved QMS.
- Include customer feedback resolution examples and corrective action implementation.
- Explain ability to be hands-on and provide flexible availability for audits.
5. Engineering Projects Manager — Dairy, Food, Pharmaceutical sectors
Role summary
Plan, execute and deliver multi-disciplinary engineering projects from design through to commissioning. Manage contractors and suppliers while ensuring health & safety, quality, environmental compliance, and financial control.
Key responsibilities
- Lead large/complex projects in dairy, food, or pharmaceutical sectors.
- Oversee procurement, construction management, commissioning and training.
- Build client and supplier relationships; report on progress, risks and outcomes.
- Drive quality and safety standards across projects.
Key requirements
- Bachelor of Engineering/Science (Chemical, Process, Mechanical) and/or project management certification.
- Proven senior-level project management experience in relevant industries.
- Strong stakeholder management, problem-solving and team leadership.
- Commercial acumen and experience controlling project scopes and budgets.
Why this role is attractive
- Lead technically challenging, high-value projects with tangible outcomes.
- High visibility role with strategic client engagement and potential travel.
- Competitive salary package with professional growth.
How to apply
Confidential enquiry: Andrew Hickey — 04 282 1562 | andrew@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips for Engineering Projects Manager
- Highlight large project examples with budgets, timelines, and successful commissioning.
- Provide evidence of contract and contractor management, and how you managed variations.
- Show examples of H&S leadership and how you ensured compliance on site.
- Bring project planning artifacts (Gantt charts, RACI matrices) as examples if possible.
6. Senior Process Project Engineer
Role summary
Lead process design and implementation. Manage project delivery including design, cost control, on-site commissioning and mentoring junior engineers. Work primarily on industrial projects, preferably within food and dairy.
Key requirements
- Tertiary degree in Chemical/Process/Mechanical engineering.
- Proven design and project management experience at senior level.
- Experience with contract management, site commissioning and client engagement.
- Leadership experience and willingness to travel to project sites.
Why this role is attractive
- Hands-on engineering role with ownership from design to commissioning.
- Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and shape project outcomes.
How to apply
Confidential enquiry: Andrew Hickey — 04 282 1562 | andrew@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips for Senior Process Project Engineer
- Detail process design projects and improvements you led.
- Provide metrics: cost savings, efficiency gains, reduced downtime.
- Include examples of mentoring or team development.
7. Process Project Engineer
Role summary
Design and project manage industrial projects from concept through to onsite commissioning. Work with mechanical, electrical, chemical process, and structural teams.
Key requirements
- Tertiary engineering degree (Chemical/Process/Mechanical).
- Proven project delivery experience and on-site commissioning background.
- Contract management and stakeholder coordination.
How to apply
Confidential enquiry: Andrew Hickey — 04 282 1562 | andrew@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips
- Show cross-discipline project involvement and concrete project delivery metrics.
- Emphasize hands-on commissioning experience.
8. R&D Engineer (Mechanical) — Hamilton (on-site)
Role summary
Support tech transfer of R&D-developed technologies into GMP manufacturing. Translate lab-scale products into production for clinical trials and commercial supply; collaborate closely with Quality Director for regulatory compliance.
Key requirements
- Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
- 2+ years in plastics product design/manufacturing (extrusion or molding).
- 2+ years pharmaceutical/medical device operations experience with cGMP.
- Tech transfer, validation, quality documentation experience.
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Why this role is attractive
- Integral bridge between R&D and production with regulatory focus.
- Strong opportunity for career development as product lines scale.
How to apply
Confidential enquiry: Tony De Barr — 04 916 0541 | tony@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips
- Highlight mechanical design achievements and production troubleshooting examples.
- Include tech transfer case studies and validation documentation experience.
9. Animal Services Manager
Role summary
Lead Animal Services team (approx. 15 staff) overseeing husbandry, breeding, research support, facility maintenance, compliance with legislation and regulations (Animal Welfare Act, GLP/GMP as applicable), and budget and training responsibilities.
Key requirements
- Tertiary qualification in veterinary, animal or biological sciences preferred.
- Extensive experience in animal husbandry and facility management (10+ years preferred).
- Regulatory compliance experience (GMP/GLP), animal ethics committee exposure, and people management skills.
- Own transport required (site not accessible by public transport).
Why this role is attractive
- Senior leadership within animal health and research operations.
- Opportunity to impact animal welfare, breeding programs and compliance in a global organisation.
How to apply
Contact Maya Carpenter-Salvador — maya@trs.co.nz
CV & interview tips
- Document animal facility leadership, staff management metrics, and ethical committee participation.
- Highlight compliance, corrective actions, and examples of process improvement.
Structuring an ATS-friendly CV (Applicant Tracking System)
- Clear role-based title — use a title matching the role you apply for (e.g., “Validation Team Leader — Pharmaceutical Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)”).
- Professional summary (3–4 lines) — include years of experience, core skills, and the value you bring (regulatory experience, team leadership, scale-up expertise).
- Key skills (bullet list) — list specific technical skills and soft skills: IQ/OQ/PQ, DQ/SQ, GMP, Medsafe, MPI, HACCP, SolidWorks, tech transfer, project management, auditing.
- Employment history (reverse chronological) — for each role: employer, location, dates, 4–6 bullets of achievements with quantifiable metrics.
- Education & certifications — list degrees and relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, PMP, ISO auditor, HACCP certification).
- Publications / projects / patents / portfolio — relevant R&D work or validation projects (non-confidential).
- Keywords & formatting — use industry keywords naturally; avoid images and complex tables. Use standard fonts and clear headings.
Cover letter essentials
- Address the hiring contact if given (e.g., Tony De Barr, Olivia Lawrence, Andrew Hickey).
- 3 short paragraphs: why you, a specific example of achievement, and your motivation for the role/company.
- Include one specific result (e.g., reduced time-to-qualification by 30% through risk-based validation).
Interview preparation — Top behavioural & Technical questions
- Describe a validation project you led end-to-end. What obstacles and outcomes? (Validation Team Leader)
- How did you manage an audit or regulator interaction? (Quality Specialist / Quality Lead)
- Tell us about a successful scale-up from lab to pilot/manufacturing — technical decisions & learnings. (R&D Engineers)
- Explain how you manage project scope creep and contractor variations. (Engineering Projects Manager)
- How do you ensure animal welfare and regulatory compliance in daily operations? (Animal Services Manager)
Salary expectations & Market positioning
- Salaries vary by role, experience, and region. Senior engineering and project management roles typically command higher packages. Validation and niche R&D posts with cGMP and tech transfer expertise typically attract premium remuneration. For a fair expectation, candidates should research similar roles in Auckland and Hamilton, factor in years of experience, and prepare to negotiate based on demonstrated impact and leadership.
Upskilling recommendations
- Validation & Quality: Regulatory updates (Medsafe, FDA guidelines), risk-based validation training, CSV (computer system validation), advanced GMP, auditing certifications.
- R&D & Engineering: Advanced polymer/materials courses, SolidWorks/CAD mastery, scale-up and pilot plant training, process simulation tools.
- Project Management: PRINCE2, PMP or Lean Six Sigma certifications to boost project leadership credentials.
Location & workplace considerations — Auckland, Hamilton & Nationwide
Auckland (North Island)
Auckland offers a dense industrial and biotech ecosystem with pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). Validation and quality leadership roles are especially concentrated here due to production sites and regulatory interactions.
Hamilton
Hamilton hosts R&D and manufacturing sites focusing on biotech, polymer processing and medical device scale-up. On-site roles (R&D Engineers, Mechanical) require hands-on involvement, frequent lab-to-factory tech transfer and close proximity to pilot plants.
Nationwide / Remote possibilities
Most roles listed are on-site due to GMP and operational needs. Engineering project roles may require travel to sites across the country. Part-time quality roles offer flexibility but still require in-person availability for audits.
Company culture, benefits & growth opportunities
Employers in these sectors commonly offer:
- Competitive salaries and benefits (health coverage, superannuation/pension contributions).
- Professional development budgets and opportunities for certification or further education.
- Cross-functional exposure — quality, production, R&D, regulatory and commercial teams.
- Career progression pathways into senior management, technical authority roles, or global positions.
Smaller companies and innovative R&D teams can offer an accelerated learning curve and direct impact on product development and commercialisation; larger organisations provide robust systems, global compliance exposure and structured career ladders.
Common red flags to watch for in job listings or interviews
- Vague role descriptions without clear reporting lines or KPIs.
- Overemphasis on long hours without commensurate compensation or work-life balance.
- Lack of clarity on location requirements (onsite vs hybrid) where GMP/regulatory work is required.
- Employers unable to provide clear training or support for compliance-heavy tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (Friendly Q&A)
Q: What is IQ/OQ/PQ and why is it important?
A: IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), and PQ (Performance Qualification) are stages of validation that confirm equipment is installed correctly, operates within expected parameters, and performs consistently in production. They are essential for demonstrating regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Q: What is DQ/SQ?
A: DQ (Design Qualification) verifies a design meets requirements and regulatory expectations; SQ (Site Qualification) confirms the installation site is suitable for the equipment/process. Knowledge of DQ/SQ is beneficial for validation leaders.
Q: How do I demonstrate GMP experience on my CV?
A: Include specific projects where you followed GMP protocols, examples of documentation (batch records, validation reports), audit participation, and interactions with regulatory authorities. Use measurable outcomes like inspection results or process improvements.
Q: Are these jobs open to international candidates?
A: Many positions require full New Zealand working rights. Check each job’s specific requirements; some roles explicitly state the need for NZ working rights.
Q: What industries are hiring for these skills?
A: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device companies, food and dairy processors, contract manufacturers, and research organisations.
Sample tailored bullet points for CV (Role-specific, ATS-optimized)
Validation Team Leader — sample bullets
- Led full lifecycle validation for XYZ production line — prepared DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and reports; achieved first-pass PQ with zero major deviations.
- Managed validation master plan for facility upgrades; prioritized risk-based validation activities that reduced qualification time by 25%.
- Mentored 4 junior validation engineers; established training program covering IQ/OQ/PQ methodology and regulatory expectations (Medsafe/FDA).
Quality Specialist — sample bullets
- Managed RMP and MPI liaison for multi-site food processing client; achieved successful compliance outcomes during external audits.
- Designed and implemented HACCP plan resulting in a 40% reduction in corrective actions year-on-year.
- Conducted internal audits and supplier audits; led CAPA program to close 98% of non-conformances within target timelines.
R&D Engineer (Processing) — sample bullets
- Successfully scaled polymer-drug composite process from lab to pilot, establishing extrusion parameters and GMP-ready SOPs; supported clinical batch production.
- Led tech transfer to injection molding line, optimizing cycle times and reducing scrap by 18%.
- Created SolidWorks models and manufacturing drawings to support tooling design and supplier manufacturing.
Engineering Projects Manager — sample bullets
- Delivered $3M dairy processing upgrade from concept to commissioning on schedule and under budget; managed contractors, procurement and H&S compliance.
- Led design review sessions, managed design changes and ensured timely acceptance testing and operator training.
- Implemented robust project reporting suite reducing stakeholder status ambiguity and accelerating decision-making.
Animal Services Manager — sample bullets
- Oversaw 15-person team managing breeding and husbandry operations; implemented improved training programs and SOPs.
- Managed annual site budgets and capital projects; coordinated maintenance contracts and ensured EHS compliance.
- Actively contributed to Animal Ethics Committee and maintained 100% compliance with local legislation.
How employers should present these roles
- Use clear, searchable role titles (e.g., “Validation Team Leader — Pharmaceutical Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)”).
- Include location, on-site vs remote status, and reporting line early in the listing.
- Insert must-have technical skills as bullet points and list desirable certifications.
- Provide direct contact information for confidential enquiries to enhance trust and conversion.
- Add a short paragraph on company culture and career progression opportunities to attract passive candidates.
Next steps for applicants
If any of the roles outlined match your experience and career goals, tailor your CV using the ATS-friendly structure and role-specific bullets above. Prepare a concise cover letter addressing the hiring contact named in each listing. For technical roles, prepare a short portfolio or non-confidential project summaries that demonstrate scale-up, validation, or project delivery outcomes.
Apply or make confidential enquiries:
- Tony De Barr — 04 916 0541 | tony@trs.co.nz (Validation Team Leader, R&D Engineer roles, R&D Mechanical)
- Olivia Lawrence — 04 916 0536 | olivia@trs.co.nz (Quality Specialist, Quality Lead)
- Andrew Hickey — 04 282 1562 | andrew@trs.co.nz (Engineering Projects Manager, Senior Process Project Engineer, Process Project Engineer)
- Maya Carpenter-Salvador — maya@trs.co.nz (Animal Services Manager)
