Graduate Engineers - Mechanical/Mechatronic (Feb 2028)

SANITI - Student Association of Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology Inc; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Transpower invites new graduates to join a two-year rotational engineering programme in Aotearoa’s National Grid. You will work across multiple teams and offices, applying theory to real‑world transmission challenges with mentoring from technical specialists.

The role supports the energy future and your professional growth from day one. This permanent entry‑level role fosters broad exposure to Power Systems, Transmission Lines, and Real‑Time Operations, with rotations across Auckland,

Qualifications

• By December 2027, you will have completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering, or Power Systems/Renewable Energy papers as part of your Engineering Degree.
• You will have achieved (or be on track to achieve) a minimum B+ (5.5 GPA).
• Demonstrated curiosity, outstanding written and verbal communication, and active listening skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to support attention to detail and the bigger energy picture.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Scripting/coding interest

Education

B.E. (Hons) in Mechatronics

B.E. in Mechanical Engineering

Power Systems/Renewable Energy papers

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Calling New Zealand engineering students and graduates
• Fast-track your professional career with Aotearoa's grid owner and operator
• Enjoy learning and support from industry experts and supportive peers

Take your place at the heart of New Zealand's power system, where a net-zero carbon future and 24/7 reliability is powered by you!

Transpower owns and operates New Zealand's National Grid - the unique High Voltage transmission network crossing mountain passes, forests, farmland, and open sea, bringing electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed most.

With a whole-of-industry view of the electricity sector, our core purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand – a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable and secure electricity system.

Our Graduate Programme

Commencing in February 2028 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington, we invite you to join a cohort of 20 engineering graduates from various disciplines. You'll expand your skills and apply theory and first principles to real-world challenges while working with different teams throughout your two-year rotational placement programme.

Our graduates tell us they enjoy:

• Work that has real meaning and impact
• Our inclusive and supportive culture and experienced colleagues who freely share their knowledge
• Being part of a community and forming career-long friendships

You’ll receive training and mentoring from technical specialists, grow your professional skills, build insight into careers at Transpower, and experience real work from day one.

The opportunity

This is a permanent role built around a two-year rotational programme designed to develop your technical capability by solving real-life problems alongside experienced transmission professionals. You'll engage with internal and external teams, customers, and the wider Transpower business. Rotations may require time in different Transpower offices, including Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Christchurch.

You’ll gain a broad understanding of the expertise needed to specialise in a technical domain (e.g. Power Systems, Transmission Lines, National Grid Assets, Real-Time Systems, or Operations Planning), strengthen your professional and commercial skills, and build lasting relationships.

Ultimately, you’ll explore how and where you want to shape your engineering career with us beyond the programme and make a difference to Aotearoa and its communities.

What will you bring?

By December 2027, you'll have completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in one of the following disciplines: Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering, or you will have completed Power Systems/Renewable Energy papers as part of your Engineering Degree.

You’ll have achieved (or be on track to achieve) a minimum B+ (5.5 GPA) and demonstrate curiosity, outstanding written and verbal communication, and active listening skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities will support your attention to detail in both work and study, while your interest in the bigger picture—and the future of energy—will drive you forward.

You’ll want to make a difference to Aotearoa and have a positive impact on the communities we serve.

The following skills are a plus, so let us know if you have:

• Basic knowledge or experience in, or curiosity about, the New Zealand electricity supply industry
• Skills in scripting, programming, or coding
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications, including MS Office

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, the planet, and the economy.

With over 28 nationalities, our people bring diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep experience, which they are eager to share. Wellbeing is supported through a range of employee health and wellness benefits (check them out at Transpower.co.nz/Benefits) and on-the-job learning and career development over time. Proudly over 20% of our advertised roles each year, are filled via lateral moves or internal promotions!

As an Engineering New Zealand Professional Development Partner, we will support your progression from Emerging Professional to full Member status, and, in the long term, to CPEng.

Position descriptions and further details about the roles and the nature of the work will be provided to shortlisted applicants.

Role closes in April 2027 (date to be confirmed); however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and initial conversations or interviews will be scheduled accordingly, and this may be before the close date.

You must be studying at, or have studied at, a New Zealand university and hold full eligibility to work.