Design Engineer - Power and Energy Engineering

About the Role and Locations

We are recruiting for experienced engineers to join two prominent engineering consultancies expanding their power and energy teams throughout New Zealand. The roles involve challenging technical engagement across transmission, distribution, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects. Positions are available in multiple cities including Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Visa sponsorship and relocation support are provided for qualified international applicants.

Positions Available

• Protection Design Engineer
• Primary Systems Engineer
• Secondary Systems Engineer
• Substation Design Engineer

These roles encompass involvement in innovative projects across various sectors such as transmission, distribution, renewable energy, industrial, and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design of high voltage (HV) and extra high voltage (EHV) substations
• Development of protection and control systems
• Conducting protection studies and coordination of relays
• Primary plant layout and specifying appropriate equipment
• Design of secondary systems and SCADA integration
• Performing earthing and lightning protection analyses
• Cable and network system studies
• Reviewing technical designs and ensuring quality assurance
• Engaging and managing clients and stakeholders
• Leading projects and coordinating multidisciplinary delivery teams

Career Progression and Work Environment

Opportunities exist to contribute to building a growing international consultancy's local operations and to work within a rapidly expanding New Zealand engineering firm known for a collaborative culture and flexible working arrangements. Roles offer professional development, leadership chances, and input into technical standards and team growth.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Electrical Engineering
• Engineering credentials recognized under the Washington Accord
• At least 5 years of experience in power systems related to protection, substations, or primary/secondary design
• Background in consulting, utility, EPC, network owner, or owner's engineer roles
• Strong understanding of transmission and/or distribution networks
• Experience with HV substation design and applicable industry standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Collaborative mindset focused on practical solutions

Desirable Expertise for Specific Roles

• For protection engineering positions: knowledge of protection philosophies, relay coordination, and control design
• For lead roles: skills in project leadership, client relationship management, mentoring engineers, and commercial proposal development

Additional Opportunities and Benefits

• Participation in diverse, impactful projects including renewable energy and critical infrastructure
• Pathways for technical and leadership career growth
• Flexible choice of work location offering unique lifestyle benefits

Compensation

Salary ranges reflect position seniority and expertise as follows:

• Senior Design Engineers: NZD 120000 to 200000 annually
• Lead Design Engineers: NZD 200000 to 260000+ annually

Invitation to Apply

Engineers with a passion for quality delivery and strong technical knowledge, whether aiming to advance as Protection Engineers or experienced Lead Engineers seeking new challenges, are encouraged to initiate a confidential conversation to explore these career-changing opportunities in New Zealand's energy engineering sector.