Design Estimator

North Power NZ; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

People-first culture

Competitive pay

Life insurance

Health initiatives

Fitness programmes

Career development

Job summary

Northpower is seeking a Design Estimator to integrate technical design, estimating, planning and customer requirements for network projects from concept to construction. The role involves fieldwork, gathering data, refining designs, and pricing work with Project Managers to ensure readiness to build.

Responsibilities include creating buildable AutoCAD drawings, using NEARA for overhead design, and delivering end-to-end estimates while collaborating across depots in Tauranga and other locations.

Qualifications

• Experience translating field information and engineering requirements into clear construction documentation.
• Ability to design overhead and underground networks meeting regulatory and customer requirements.
• Proven ability to prepare accurate estimates from unit rates to full cost build-ups.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electrical distribution networks to meet standards and customer needs.
• Prepare accurate end-to-end estimates, from cost build-ups to indicative pricing.
• Plan primary works, develop Task Plans, and prepare tender and contractual documentation.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Supervisors, customers and stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient delivery.

Skills

AutoCAD

NEARA

Estimating

Field data collection

Tools

Trimble software

Trimble equipment

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 andcustomer requirements to deliver network projects from concept through toconstruction. This isn’t a role where you simply sit behind a desk producingdrawings. You’ll be involved in understanding what the customer needs, gettingout in the field, capturing information, designing practical solutions, pricingthe work and working alongside Project Managers and construction teams to makesure the project is ready to build.

One day you could be reviewing network requirements for anew subdivision. The next, you might be on site gathering information, refiningan overhead design, working through a complex estimate or sitting down with aProject Manager to find a better way to deliver the work. The role can be basedacross one of our depots in Tauranga, Matamata, New Plymouth, Palmerston Northor Masterton
You’ll have the opportunity to use both your technicalexpertise and commercial thinking, while building strong relationships acrossthe business and with our customers. We want someone who takes pride in gettingthe details right, but who can also see the bigger picture.

Role Responsibilities:

The role involves designing overhead and undergroundelectrical distribution networks, ensuring every solution meets customerexpectations as well as statutory, regulatory and network requirements. Time inthe field will be an important part of the role, capturing accurate GPS andsite information using Trimble equipment and software, then turning thatinformation into practical, buildable designs using NEARA. Accurate AutoCADconstruction and as-built drawings will also be produced, ensuring the detailis right before projects move into construction.
A key part of the role is preparing accurate estimates, fromunit rates and detailed cost build-ups through to indicative pricing andcomplete end-to-end solutions. The position also involves planning primaryworks, developing Task Plans and preparing the tender and contractualdocumentation required to get projects moving. There is also the opportunity tocontribute to tender negotiations and work through the commercial and technicaldetails that set projects up for success.
Strong collaboration is essential, working closely withProject Managers, Supervisors, customers and other stakeholders to bringtechnical knowledge and practical experience into discussions around design andconstruction methodology. This helps ensure projects are properly planned,accurately documented and ready to be delivered safely, efficiently and tospecification.

Experience:

Preferable but not required: experience assessing existingnetwork infrastructure and developing practical design solutions to meetcapacity, reliability, customer and regulatory requirements. Proven experienceproducing accurate and buildable AutoCAD construction and as-built drawings,translating field information and engineering requirements into clearconstruction documentation. Experience using overhead network design tools suchas NEARA, with the ability to develop practical designs that can be safely andefficiently constructed in the field. Strong understanding of design processes,network standards and construction methodologies, with the ability to managedesign requirements from initial site assessment and concept developmentthrough to detailed design, pricing and construction handover.

What Northpower Offers You:

Make real impact across the North Island in a stable andfuture‑focusedsector. At Northpower, you’ll do work that matters and powersour communities while growing your career in an organisation that genuinelycares for its people.
You’ll benefit from:

• -A people‑first culture built on safety,inclusion, and deep care, where contributions are recognised and wellbeing issupported through EAP and our award‑winning peer support network(Kaitiaki)
• -Fair and market competitive pay Private use vehicle, with the flexibility totailor 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 fitnessprogrammes (including Fitness Passport)
• -Discounted fuel rates plus a range of retail discounts(including Boost, PB Tech and Specsavers)
• -Ongoing learning and development, with clear careerpathways to help you grow, specialise, or progress
• -A welcoming, family‑friendly workplace where peopleare encouraged to be themselves and feel valued

About Northpower:

Northpower is an organisation with deep regional roots andnational reach. We own and operate the electricity and fibre networks acrossWhangārei and Kaipara, delivering essential infrastructure to more than 60,000connected customers, while also operating one of New Zealand’s largest multi‑utilitycontracting businesses.
From keeping the lights on today to building theinfrastructure that will power tomorrow, our work spans electricity, fibre,renewables, transmission, and energy services. With more than 1,400 peopleacross 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 inyour community. The work you do at Northpower matters – it is seen, felt, andrelied on every day.