HV Grid Protection & Automation Engineer

Transpower New Zealand; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Transpower New Zealand is seeking a Protection & Automation Project Engineer to contribute across the project lifecycle from scoping to commissioning. You will review outsourced design deliverables, provide technical advice and refine design standards while collaborating with project teams across engineering, delivery, operations and planning.

The role focuses on protection expertise within high-voltage transmission, with varied work including modelling protection schemes, defining practical

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in HV Protection & Automation design, settings, implementation, commissioning or related project delivery work within the electricity transmission, distribution or generation sectors.
• A practical understanding of transmission assets, secondary systems and reliable grid operation.
• Familiarity with relevant tools or technologies, such as PowerFactory, Python, IEC 61850, DNP3, SEL, Siemens or GE platforms.
• An electrical or power engineering degree - Washington Accord accredited - or an equivalent tertiary qualification, and a willingness to keep growing your expertise.

Responsibilities

• Scoping, reviewing and supporting Protection & Automation work from concept through to commissioning.
• Investigating, modelling and assessing the performance of power system protection schemes under various grid configurations and power flows.
• Working with project managers, consultants, technicians and internal stakeholders to define practical, fit-for-purpose technical solutions that support safe, efficient project delivery.
• Reviewing design deliverables and contributing to project scopes, cost estimates and business cases.
• Supporting updates to protection scheme settings, technical guidance, standard packages and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supporting technical workstreams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the development of engineering capability within the team.
• Evaluating new digital and networking technologies and alternative designs that support safer, more efficient project outcomes.

Skills

HV Protection & Automation

Power systems

Grid operation

Education

Electrical or power engineering degree (Washington Accord)

Tools

PowerFactory

Python

IEC 61850

DNP3

SEL

Siemens/GE platforms

Job description

Transpower New Zealand is seeking a Protection & Automation Project Engineer to contribute across the project lifecycle from scoping to commissioning. You will review outsourced design deliverables, provide technical advice and refine design standards while collaborating with project teams across engineering, delivery, operations and planning.

The role focuses on protection expertise within high-voltage transmission, with varied work including modelling protection schemes, defining practical