Senior/Principal Protection and Design Engineer

Overview We are looking for a Senior or Principal Protection and Design Engineer to join our Distribution Team. Imagine working on protection and control systems for projects like the Waiheke Transformer Replacement, Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm, and critical replacements such as Nelson Pines T3, or leading cross-network programmes and growth projects that shape how distribution systems are planned and operated. At ElectroNet, our Protection Engineers are trusted to make decisions and solve real system problems under real network constraints, and see their work built, tested, and operating on live networks. This is not a role focused on a single network or repeatable studies. You’ll work across multiple clients, systems, and challenges. Backed by Westpower, we operate across multiple network clients combining the agility of a consultancy with the delivery capability of a contractor, meaning your designs don’t just sit in reports: They get built, tested, and commissioned. The Role – System Authority & Problem Solver This role suits engineers who want to build deep, practical expertise across multiple networks, not just specialise in one system. You will: Act as a technical authority for protection and secondary systems across distribution networks Lead protection design and coordination for complex, constrained systems Deliver and interpret protection coordination studies, WAP studies, and system performance assessments Work within real-world constraints — including legacy systems, outage limitations, and constructability challenges Develop practical protection philosophies and schemes that balance safety, reliability, and practicality You’ll work across a mix of constrained legacy networks, greenfield developments, and new generation connections, including: Waiheke (Vector): Protection design and coordination for a constrained, islanded network with critical reliability and limited outage windows Coldstream (MainPower): Protection engineering and coordination for a live distribution network upgrade with real constructability and outage constraints Auckland growth projects (e.g. Sandspit): Greenfield protection schemes supporting new infrastructure and enhancing security of supply for a rapidly growing region Cross-network WAP studies and coordination programmes: Improving system-wide protection performance across multiple EDBs Generation connections (solar/wind): Designing protection schemes for new generation integrating into constrained distribution networks, including projects such as Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm ElectroNet is both a consulting and contracting powerhouse. That means your designs don’t sit on a shelf — they’re constructed by your colleagues. That means: You see your protection schemes implemented in the field You get rapid feedback on what works (and what doesn’t) You work closely with teams responsible for commissioning and delivery You build practical judgement that only comes from seeing designs operate in real networks This feedback loop sharpens engineering capability and keeps the work deeply satisfying and grounded in reality. How We Support Our Team Focused Technical Time You’ll be supported by dedicated Project Managers, freeing you to focus on design excellence, protection philosophy, coordination studies, technical leadership, and strategic thinking. Our structured tenure programme recognises loyalty and contribution: At 2, 5, and 10 years, you unlock increasing reward options Choose what suits your life stage: Salary top-ups (lump sum or ongoing) Additional KiwiSaver contributions Extra paid leave Radical, Structural Flexibility Flexibility is built into how we operate. Whether you’re balancing family commitments, shifting daily hours, or planning extended travel, our scale allows us to support flexibility. As a member of our team, you will also be part of a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth. We offer a range of benefits including: ElectroNet Coach: Our in-house mentoring programme, focused on mentorship and leadership development Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks of primary carer leave top-up payments (to 80% of salary), including employer contributions to KiwiSaver during this period, and annual leave paid at full value for eligible primary carers. Partners and spouses are also supported with two weeks of fully paid parental leave. Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development, a clear pathway for progression and career advancement. Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits including a personal option wellbeing allowance (POWA), 24/7 confidential EAP support, fresh fruit and free flu vaccinations Insurance: Life and critical illness insurance cover. Discounts: Access to a range of discounts, including fuel and health insurance Innovative Environment : Be part of a forward-thinking company that values continuous improvement. Collaborative Culture : Work in a supportive and collaborative environment. Celebrations : Celebration of special occasions, social club and team events Paid Leave : Two weeks of additional paid parental leave. At ElectroNet, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is equitable, inclusive, and supportive of all employees. We welcome and celebrate differences and believe that these differences make us stronger as a team. Our vision is to be leaders in electrical energy and technology, and we believe we can achieve this because of the values we work by every day – we look after each other, we work smarter, we do the right thing and together we can achieve great things. Underpinning our vision, our purpose is to provide sustainable electrical solutions which enhance communities. We are community owned and at the heart of what we do is maintain the health and safety of our people and the communities we service. To find out more about ElectroNet Consulting, visit us at www.electronetgroup.com/consulting What You Bring 8+ years’ post‑graduate experience in protection and secondary systems engineering Background across distribution networks (or a mix of transmission and distribution) Experience with protection coordination, systems studies and real-world protection implementation A genuine interest in mentoring and lifting technical capabilities around you CPEng status, or a clear pathway toward it About Us The ElectroNet Group is proudly 100% New Zealand owned. This award-winning, multi-disciplinary Group comprises the ownership and operation of electricity infrastructure, the construction and maintenance of electrical transmission and services, engineering consultancy and design professional services, along with a team which develops innovative technology for the benefit of the industry. Our broad range of capabilities enables us to provide Our ElectroNet Consulting team takes pride in delivering market-leading electrical design and consulting services to customers across Australasia. We combine a breadth of industry knowledge with a commitment to using the best available technology, to deliver impressive results and future-proofed projects. Visit us at www.electronetgroup.co.nz at to find out more. How to apply If this role sounds like you, click Apply via Seek and upload your CV along with a brief cover letter. A Position Description or more information can be provided on request – please email the People Team at peo•••••••@electronet.co.nz We may begin interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged. #J-18808-Ljbffr