HVDC Project Engineer - High Voltage Substations

Transpower's purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand - a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable, secure electricity system. As the owner and operator of the National Grid, Transpower provides the infrastructure and market systems that connect electricity generators to major users and the distribution networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses across the country. (We don't own, generate, or sell electricity.)

Our context

Much of New Zealand's electricity is generated from renewable energy sources (hydro, and increasingly wind and solar) which are often located in remote areas. Essential to powering our country, the HVDC link connects the grid between the North and South Islands and plays an ever-increasing role in balancing intermittent renewable generation across the Islands.

The HVDC Cable Replacement and Capacity Project (HVDC Project) aims to replace the three existing high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables that connect the North and South Island transmission systems with like-for-like cables by 2032. At the same time, a fourth cable of the same type will be installed to increase capacity. Transpower also plans to coordinate several other upgrade projects as part of this once-in-a-generation programme - something that occurs only every 40 to 50 years.

A dedicated project team will deliver this critical programme, including the installation of 160 km of subsea cable, the design and construction of replacement cable termination station buildings, installation of a new filter bank, and replacement of the HVDC control systems, to name a few.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Project Director and supported by a Technical Lead, you'll play a key role as Project Engineer delivering effective, efficient design solutions across the programme of works within the remit of the HVDC Project team.

While Transpower operates an outsourced design model, this role provides in-house engineering expertise and support for HVDC substation projects (both greenfield and brownfield upgrades) and related assets.

You'll provide engineering services across the full project lifecycle, working closely with suppliers, design consultants, service providers, and internal and external stakeholders. A strong focus on safety in design is essential.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to an iconic, nationally significant project.

What will you bring?

You'll have a relevant tertiary qualification, strong written and verbal communication skills, and an inclusive, collaborative working style.

Your superpower is your ability to provide practical engineering input and expertise, particularly in preparing engineering scopes for outsourced work related to the development or upgrade of substations, control and protection systems, and high voltage cables. You'll ensure solutions meet project requirements while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

You'll also take responsibility for supporting this work through to implementation, providing technical input and oversight as required.

To be considered, your CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

• 4-5 years of specialist project engineering experience in large substation transmission projects, including design development, estimating, construction, and commissioning
• A good understanding of primary equipment used in transmission systems (HVAC and/or HVDC), including control and protection and information technology, and their significance in service delivery
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to work both commercially and strategically
• A delivery-oriented approach and sound knowledge of project management principles
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and networks

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. Every home, every marae, every electric vehicle, every hospital relies on the electricity we manage and deliver. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders - every day and long into the future.

With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep and varied experience which they love to share and which we celebrate. We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week, which helps us build and maintain relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes, and sustain our culture.

This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for both work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times.

We prioritise wellbeing with a range of employee health and wellness benefits - check them out here.

Next steps

To apply for this unique opportunity to help upgrade New Zealand's most vital electricity connection, please review the position description and submit your application, including a cover letter outlining your interest.

Role closes Tuesday 1 July; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, where possible.

Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is required, and candidates in situ will be prioritised.