Engineering Manager – Hardware

Lead the hardware behind technology changing the future of livestock farming.

At Gallagher, our purpose is Protect what matters most. We live this every day through technology that protects people, businesses and agricultural operations in more than 160 countries.

We have been in business since 1938, and our Animal Management solutions are trusted by farmers across the globe. Our eShepherd virtual fencing technology is transforming how livestock are managed, helping farmers create virtual boundaries, move cattle remotely, manage grazing more precisely and improve outcomes for productivity, animal welfare and the environment.

We are looking for an Engineering Manager to join the eShepherd team in Hamilton, New Zealand, leading the design, development and continuous improvement of the hardware that enables our virtual fencing system to perform reliably in real farming conditions.

The opportunity

This is your chance to lead the hardware engineering function behind one of the world’s most exciting AgTech products.

You’ll lead a talented team of electronics and mechanical engineers responsible for current and next-generation eShepherd hardware. From early concept through to production and field support, you’ll help shape technical direction, influence product strategy and ensure we deliver practical, robust and manufacturable products that meet customer, production, regulatory and commercial requirements.

You’ll work closely with IoT and Embedded, Cloud and Apps, Product, Manufacturing, Customer Success and the Head of Product Strategy to translate field insights, customer feedback and product roadmap priorities into design improvements, corrective actions and future product direction.

This leadership role is for someone who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, developing great engineers and seeing their work make a tangible impact in the field.

What will you do as Engineering Manager?

You’ll provide technical leadership across electronics and mechanical engineering, spanning the full product lifecycle from concept definition and high-level system design through to development, testing, production and continuous improvement.

Your key activities include:

• Leading and mentoring the hardware engineering team.

• Guiding hardware product design, architecture, testing and implementation.

• Managing hardware risks, mitigations and issue resolution.

• Leading design reviews, change management, DFMA reviews and FMEA reviews.

• Working with IoT and embedded teams on architecture, functions, subsystems and workflows.

• Coordinating lab and field testing with IoT hardware prototypes.

• Supporting product strategy, product roadmaps and IP activity.

• Championing Learning First Product Development, A3 thinking and continuous improvement.

• Collaborating with Manufacturing, Production Engineering, Procurement, Compliance, Customer Success and external suppliers.

What you’ll bring

You’re an experienced engineering leader who enjoys building both great products and great teams. You’re technically credible, practical, commercially aware and naturally collaborative.

You’ll bring:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent.

• 5+ years’ product development experience, ideally with complex hardware, electronics, mechanical systems, IoT devices or connected products.

• Experience across requirements interpretation, architecture definition, technical risk analysis, functional testing and reliability testing.

• Strong knowledge of electronic components, sensors, ICs and PCB design tools.

• Experience with mechanical and electronic parts, assemblies, CAD tools and manufacturing techniques.

• Demonstrated project or team leadership, with the ability to deliver substantial outcomes.

• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder alignment skills.

• A continuous improvement mindset and strong customer empathy.

Experience in AgTech, embedded hardware, low-power electronics, rugged devices, wireless technology, product validation or design for manufacture would be highly valued.

Why Gallagher?

At Gallagher, we foster a supportive and family-friendly work environment where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. As part of #TeamGallagher you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive opportunity.

• Free parking, subsidised on-site café and great eateries nearby.

• Life and Disability Insurance.

• Boost App membership and Gallagher staff discounts across a range of NZ retailers.

• Team events, guest speakers, social activities and regular team lunches.

• Genuine opportunities to grow your career within a global technology company.

Most importantly, you’ll be leading technology that is making a real difference to farmers, animal welfare and sustainability across the world.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role may be filled before the closing date.