Senior Protection Engineer

Role overview

This position is for an experienced protection engineer who can apply and expand electrical engineering and technical design expertise within the energy sector. The role contributes directly to safeguarding client electrical assets and supporting generator connections to the national grid.

You will work on protection studies and setting applications for both new build and brownfield substation projects across New Zealand, while also having room to grow into related paths such as protection settings, broader engineering, design, or project delivery.

The opportunity

In this role, you will be part of a team that investigates, scopes, designs, and delivers protection settings projects. The work sits within complex, multi-discipline projects, and you will have the chance to learn from power industry specialists delivering engineering solutions across New Zealand and Australia.

Although the role is based in Christchurch or Wellington, you will join a diverse and supportive group with access to technical and project delivery leaders, senior engineers, and early-career graduates. Project work includes renewable energy connections and network upgrades aimed at improving resilience.

Much of the work will follow the Transpower standards framework. Experience with DigSilent PowerFactory, Transpower standards, and Stationware would be useful, and additional secondary systems or communications design experience would add value.

You will also gain exposure to consulting practice, project management, technical development, and industry accreditation, with potential career routes into design management, client relationships, or technical specialist roles.

What we’re looking for

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, curious, and motivated by using engineering skills to solve real client problems. You should be able to understand project needs, analyse information, and draw conclusions from drawings, data, site photographs, and site visits.

Strong written communication is important, including report writing. You should also be comfortable recognising when assumptions need to be checked and when to seek input from technical specialists or other trusted sources.

This role requires prior protection settings experience, either in a consulting environment or with an asset owner in the transmission or distribution sectors. It is not suitable for someone at graduate level or just starting their career.

You should also be able to build effective working relationships, collaborate well with other engineers and clients, and contribute positively to team culture. A willingness to learn, engage, support others, and ask thoughtful questions is important. A good sense of humour will be appreciated too.

About the wider business

The Power business operates across the Asia Pacific region with teams in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Indonesia. These teams work together to scope, design, procure, and build assets for the power and energy sector, covering generation, transmission, primary, secondary, protection, and project delivery work.

The business supports critical power infrastructure and delivers new technologies, including smart grids, intelligent power networks, renewable energy systems, and virtual power plants.

About the company

The employer is a large independent advisory, design, and engineering consultancy in the Asia Pacific region. With more than 4,000 employees across 25 offices worldwide and projects delivered in over 70 countries, the organisation focuses on helping clients shape communities, improve assets, and streamline operations.

Its purpose is to create everyday improvements through innovation, strong relationships, and practical solutions.

Additional information

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The role offers broad exposure and professional growth opportunities across the business, both locally and across Australasia.

How to apply

Apply if you are ready to contribute to meaningful energy projects and grow your career in protection engineering.