Rotorua // Principal Engineer - Mechanical

Mercury is a bold future‑focused organisation, providing energy and telecommunications to more Kiwis than anyone else, leading the way with renewable energy and working toward a sustainable future. At the heart is our purpose. Taking care of tomorrow: connecting people and place today. This pushes us to do all we can to create a better future for our people, our communities, and Aotearoa New Zambia. We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership, governance and discipline expertise across Mercury’s generating assets. Based in Rotorua, this is a senior role where you’ll act as the mechanical engineering discipline lead and engineering authority across our generation portfolio. You’ll work closely with site, operations, engineering, asset management and external partners to ensure mechanical engineering risks are well understood, effectively managed and supported by sound technical decision‑making. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys both strategic influence and practical problem solving, from shaping engineering standards and supporting outage planning, through to leading root‑cause investigations, optimising asset performance and mentoring engineers across the business. You’ll be joining a business with a strong renewable generation portfolio, meaningful technical challenges and a team that values collaboration, learning and practical problem solving. Tāu e mahi ai | What you’ll be doing: You’ll bring deep mechanical engineering experience, strong judgement and the ability to influence across technical and non‑technical audiences. You’ll be comfortable providing clear, risk‑based recommendations and building alignment where decisions are complex. You’ll likely bring: A degree or higher qualification in Mechanical Engineering At least 15 years’ experience in mechanical engineering CPEng or a pathway toward CPEng, preferred Strong technical expertise in mechanical engineering principles, practices, standards and legislation Experience in asset management of hydro and geothermal power stations would be highly advantageous. Experience in lifecycle asset management and risk‑based decision‑making Understanding of NDT methods and their application Proven capability in root‑cause failure analysis and structured problem solving Strong communication skills, with the ability to build technical consensus and manage stakeholder interests Leading the development and governance of mechanical engineering standards, procedures, quality plans and maintenance plans Providing technical leadership and oversight for mechanical engineering risk, Management of Change and asset integrity Monitoring and evaluating plant performance, including mechanical condition, failure mechanisms and performance data Providing specialist troubleshooting and technical advisory support for complex equipment issues and abnormal operating conditions Leading or supporting root‑cause analysis, technical investigations, FMECA development and risk assessments Contributing technical scope and input into outage planning, preparation and optimisation Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays) $400 one‑off tax‑free payment towards setting up your home office Offers on electricity and telco – if you’re a Mercury customer, you can enjoy some great discounts on your electricity and telco bill A diverse workplace where your unique abilities and talents will be recognised and encouraged Annual salary reviews with excellent parental leave policy, with the option to purchase additional leave The opportunities, career paths and facilities associated with working for one of New Zealand’s largest multi‑utility providers Flexible working policy – the autonomy and trust to work flexibly from our purpose‑built premises and from home, recognising the value of this flexibility in the modern world Discounted health insurance and free life and income insurance Excellent well‑being programme including up to $100 annual check‑ups and confidential assistance programme Gender affirmation leave and supportive bereavement leave to be taken when you lose anyone close to you, including your pet #J-18808-Ljbffr