Agricultural Engineer

NKS Fresh is a vertically integrated horticultural business based in Shepparton East, Victoria, operating our own orchards alongside a high-volume fruit wholesale and packaging facility. We specialise not only in farming but also in the intake, sorting, quality control, packaging, and distribution of fresh produce for both domestic and export markets. 

As our operations grow, we are seeking an Agricultural Engineer to support both our orchards and optimise our post-harvest packaging processes and operations. The role is hands-on and based in a high-paced facility, requiring a strong technical background in irrigation, machinery, and agricultural systems. This role will ensure that our technical systems, infrastructure, equipment and processes operate at optimal efficiency and meet industry’s standards for hygiene, safety, and sustainability.

This is a critical role for integrating advanced engineering solutions into our supply chain to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and maintain compliance across both farming, packaging and storage operations.

Benefits

Task & responsibilities

• Design and oversee improvements to post-harvest packaging systems including grading, sorting, and conveyor systems.
• Engineer and implement cold storage, humidity control, and temperature-regulated infrastructure to maintain product freshness.
• Develop equipment maintenance schedules and troubleshoot mechanical and system failures.
• Apply principles of agricultural engineering to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance processing line automation.
• Conduct technical evaluations and introduce innovations in packaging line machinery and material handling systems.
• Ensure facility designs and work processes meet relevant WHS, HACCP, and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with logistics, QA, and operations teams to integrate engineered solutions into daily processes.
• Provide technical documentation, system schematics, and operational guidelines
• Design and implement efficient irrigation systems (drip/micro-sprinklers) tailored to orchard requirements.
• Develop orchard layout plans considering row spacing, slope, drainage, and machinery access.
• Manage the operation, maintenance, and selection of orchard machinery and equipment (sprayers, tractors, harvesters).
• Assist in soil health monitoring and design fertigation systems for nutrient delivery.
• Analyse crop, soil, and water data to improve productivity and inform decision-making.

Qualification & experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in Agricultural Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience in agricultural or horticultural engineering.
• Experience with automated processing equipment and facility layout planning.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, packaging technologies, and environmental control systems.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
•  Proven ability to apply engineering principles to solve complex operational problems in food supply chains.
•  Knowledge of WHS and food safety compliance in packaging environments.