Systems and Sensors, Optics Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 - 2027

TOMRA Food is a multinational organization and a leading provider of sensor-based sorting, peeling and integrated post-harvest solution for the food industries. Transforming global food production to maximize food safety and minimize food loss by making sure Every Resource Counts™, has been our strength for over 50 years.​ 

We seek individuals who live our core values of innovation, responsibility, and passion. At TOMRA, we boost innovation, encouraging our team members to take calculated risks that can lead to groundbreaking solutions, challenging the status quo. We value passion in our workforce; it's the driving force behind customer commitment and a relentless pursuit of success. 

We believe in fostering a responsible, inclusive, and safe mindset among our employees, one that prioritizes our customers, products, and each other. We encourage every team member to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, contributing to a culture of accountability and trust. 

Join the resource revolution! 

Gain real-world internship experience with a highly successful designer and manufacturer of computer-controlled fruit & vegetable sorting technology exported globally.

We are looking for passionate and driven 2 Engineering Interns studying Mechatronics, Systems, Optics, Electronics, or related engineering disciplines to join our Research & Development teams to assist with a Hyperspectral Imaging Development project this summer. These internships will be paid and run from November to February across a 10-week period.

You'll be provided an opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, working with advanced imaging and sensor systems that help inspect the internal quality of fruit and vegetables. The project span everything from supporting the assembly, testing, commissioning and validation of sophisticated hyperspectral imaging products, while helping prepare these technologies for large-scale deployment.

Here's a sneak peek into what you could be doing:

• Assembly and integration of advanced imaging and sensing systems
• Building and commissioning prototype and pre-production equipment
• Testing, validation and performance verification of hardware systems
• Calibration of imaging, sensor and inspection technologies
• Troubleshooting system performance and investigating technical issues
• Using Python scripting and data processing tools to support testing
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting engineering test data
• Supporting hardware integration and system commissioning activities
• Improving assembly processes and supporting production readiness
• Creating and updating technical documentation and work instructions
• Supporting engineering investigations focused on product performance and reliability

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with technologies spanning optics, sensors, electronics, automation and system integration while contributing to real-world product development projects. The core strengths we are looking for are mechatronics, systems, electronics, optics or similar aptitude, problem solving, an analytical mind, great communication skills and basic workshop skills. 

Deadline to submit an application is Sunday, August 16th, 2026!

You could be a great fit if you are currently studying Mechatronics, Systems, Optics, Electronics, or related engineering disciplines and have an interest in product development, assembly, testing and commissioning of hyperspectral imaging units.

To apply, you'll need to:

• Be available to participate in our full-time, 10-week internship programme running between November 2026 and February 2027
• Be able to work onsite five days per week from our R&D facility in Auckland, NZ
• Submit your application by 16 August 2026
• Attach your academic transcript with your application
• Be prepared to provide two academic or professional references if shortlisted

We welcome applications from students in all years of study. Preference may be given to students in their penultimate year of study.

If you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. At TOMRA, we recognize that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. All applications will be managed in the strictest confidence.  

TOMRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics. Reasonable accommodations will be made and will be provided as requested by candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.