Design Estimator

Northpower; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

People-first culture

Competitive pay

Life insurance

Health initiatives

Medical cover discount

Fitness Passport

Fuel discounts

Career development

Family-friendly

Job summary

Northpower is seeking a Design Estimator in New Zealand to join our team, blending technical design, estimating, planning and customer requirements to deliver network projects from concept through construction. You will be involved in field work and on-site information gathering to design practical solutions and price work.

You will review subdivision requirements, refine overhead designs, and develop buildable designs using NEARA and AutoCAD, delivering accurate pricing and end-to-end

Qualifications

• Experience designing overhead and underground electrical networks.
• Proven ability to translate field information into buildable designs.
• Experience with NEARA and AutoCAD construction drawings.
• Ability to prepare accurate estimates and tender documentation.
• Strong collaboration with Project Managers and customers.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground networks to meet requirements.
• Capture GPS/site information in the field.
• Produce AutoCAD drawings and as-built documentation.
• Prepare unit cost build-ups, pricing, and end-to-end solutions.
• Develop Task Plans and tender documentation.
• Support tender negotiations and project handover.

Skills

AutoCAD

NEARA

Field data collection

Cost estimation

Project collaboration

Tools

Trimble

Job description

About The Role:

We’re looking for a Design Estimator to join our team, someone who can bring together technical design, estimating, planning and customer requirements to deliver network projects from concept through to construction. This isn’t a role where you simply sit behind a desk producing drawings. You’ll be involved in understanding what the customer needs, getting out in the field, capturing information, designing practical solutions, pricing the work and working alongside Project Managers and construction teams to make sure the project is ready to build.

One day you could be reviewing network requirements for a new subdivision. The next, you might be on site gathering information, refining an overhead design, working through a complex estimate or sitting down with a Project Manager to find a better way to deliver the work. The role can be based across one of our depots in Tauranga, Matamata, New Plymouth, Palmerston North or Masterton

You’ll have the opportunity to use both your technical expertise and commercial thinking, while building strong relationships across the business and with our customers. We want someone who takes pride in getting the details right, but who can also see the bigger picture.

Role Responsibilities:

The role involves designing overhead and underground electrical distribution networks, ensuring every solution meets customer expectations as well as statutory, regulatory and network requirements. Time in the field will be an important part of the role, capturing accurate GPS and site information using Trimble equipment and software, then turning that information into practical, buildable designs using NEARA. Accurate AutoCAD construction and as‑built drawings will also be produced, ensuring the detail is right before projects move into construction. A key part of the role is preparing accurate estimates, from unit rates and detailed cost build‑ups through to indicative pricing and complete end‑to‑end solutions. The position also involves planning primary works, developing Task Plans and preparing the tender and contractual documentation required to get projects moving. There is also the opportunity to contribute to tender negotiations and work through the commercial and technical details that set projects up for success.

Strong collaboration is essential, working closely with Project Managers, Supervisors, customers and other stakeholders to bring technical knowledge and practical experience into discussions around design and construction methodology. This helps ensure projects are properly planned, accurately documented and ready to be delivered safely, efficiently and to specification.

Experience:

Preferable but not required: experience assessing existing network infrastructure and developing practical design solutions to meet capacity, reliability, customer and regulatory requirements. Proven experience producing accurate and buildable AutoCAD construction and as‑built drawings, translating field information and engineering requirements into clear construction documentation. Experience using overhead network design tools such as NEARA, with the ability to develop practical designs that can be safely and efficiently constructed in the field. Strong understanding of design processes, network standards and construction methodologies, with the ability to manage design requirements from initial site assessment and concept development through to detailed design, pricing and construction handover.

What Northpower Offers You:

Make real impact across the North Island in a stable and future‑focused sector. At Northpower, you’ll do work that matters and powers our communities while growing your career in an organisation that genuinely cares for its people.

You’ll benefit from:

• A people‑first culture built on safety, inclusion, and deep care, where contributions are recognised and wellbeing is supported through EAP and our award‑winning peer support network (Kaitiaki)
• Fair and market competitive pay Private use vehicle, with the flexibility to tailor through additional leave and increased employer KiwiSaver contributions
• Life insurance and preventative health initiatives (including annual flu immunisations and Mole Maps)
• Discounted group medical cover and health and fitness programmes (including Fitness Passport)
• Discounted fuel rates plus a range of retail discounts (including Boost, PB Tech and Specsavers)
• Ongoing learning and development, with clear career pathways to help you grow, specialise, or progress
• A welcoming, family‑friendly workplace where people are encouraged to be themselves and feel valued

About Northpower:

Northpower is an organisation with deep regional roots and national reach. We own and operate the electricity and fibre networks across Whangārei and Kaipara, delivering essential infrastructure to more than 60,000 connected customers, while also operating one of New Zealand’s largest multi‑utility contracting businesses.

From keeping the lights on today to building the infrastructure that will power tomorrow, our work spans electricity, fibre, renewables, transmission, and energy services. With more than 1,400 people across 16 locations, we act as one to support our communities, customers, clients, and critical national infrastructure across Aotearoa.

What connects all this work is real impact you can see in your community. The work you do at Northpower matters – it is seen, felt, and relied on every day.

New Zealand work rights are required for the role.

Pré-employment checks will include a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.