Junior Electrical Engineer

Ventia; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site learning

Job summary

Ventia's Engineering & Renewable Energy team in Christchurch is seeking a junior Electrical Engineer. You will gain practical experience on high-voltage infrastructure projects, work on-site with experienced professionals, and participate in testing, commissioning and maintenance activities across solar, wind, BESS and substations.

You'll learn through mentoring and hands-on exposure to protection systems and project lifecycle activities from planning to delivery.

Qualifications

• Recent Bachelor of Electrical Engineering graduate or final-year student graduating soon.
• Willingness to work on-site and learn through hands-on experience.
• Interest in protection schemes, testing, commissioning and electrical infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Install equipment on-site and participate in testing and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot issues and learn how complex electrical systems operate in real-world environments.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, project managers and operations teams.
• Support project delivery from concept through commissioning and maintenance.

Skills

Hands-on electrical engineering

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

On-site readiness

Education

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering

Final-year Electrical Engineering student

Tools

Testing equipment

Protection systems

Job description

Do you have a passion for electrical infrastructure and want to see how power moves from the grid to the communities it serves? If you're curious about high-voltage systems, protection schemes, testing, and commissioning, this could be the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career.

Ventia's Engineering & Renewable Energy (ENR) business is looking for a motivated Junior Electrical Engineer to join our Christchurch team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or emerging engineer who wants to build practical engineering experience while working on critical electrical infrastructure projects across New Zealand.

You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, technicians, project managers, and operational teams, gaining hands‑on exposure to the equipment, systems, and technologies that keep New Zealand powered.

With opportunities available across both our Protection Technician and Projects teams, you’ll gain broad exposure to electrical engineering and learn how projects are designed, built, commissioned, tested, and maintained from start to finish.

Be part of the energy transition while working on exciting projects spanning solar farms, wind farms, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hydro power stations, and high‑voltage substations.

About the Role

This is not a role where you’ll spend every day behind a computer.

You’ll be out on site, working with experienced professionals, installing equipment, undertaking testing and commissioning activities, troubleshooting issues, and learning how complex electrical systems operate in the real world.

Whether you’re helping commission a substation, supporting project delivery, working with specialist test equipment, or solving technical challenges alongside experienced mentors, you’ll be contributing from day one while building valuable practical skills.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys working with electronics and electrical systems.
• Likes figuring out how things work and solving technical problems.
• Wants to be hands‑on and spend time in the field.
• Is curious, practical, and eager to learn.
• Wants exposure to projects from concept through to commissioning and maintenance.

What You Will Gain

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from industry experts across multiple disciplines, including:

• Commissioning Engineers - learning testing, protection systems, commissioning, energisation, and fault‑finding.
• Project Engineers - understanding the full project lifecycle from planning through to delivery.
• Project Managers - gaining exposure to stakeholder management, commercial considerations, and project execution.
• Technical Specialists - developing your knowledge of complex electrical systems and high‑voltage infrastructure.
• Field Operations Teams - building practical experience through real‑world site activities and installations.

Professional Development

At Ventia, we’re committed to developing the next generation of engineers.

You’ll receive:

• Ongoing mentoring and coaching from experienced engineers and technicians.
• Hands‑on learning in both field and project environments.
• Exposure to a diverse range of renewable energy and electrical infrastructure projects.
• Opportunities to build practical competencies and technical expertise early in your career.
• Career Development & Professional Standards

We’re committed to supporting your long‑term professional growth through meaningful project work and technical mentoring.

You’ll gain valuable experience towards:

• EWRB Registration
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation

Who You Are

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, practical, and excited to learn.

• A recent Bachelor of Electrical Engineering graduate.
• A final‑year Electrical Engineering student due to graduate soon.
• Someone with a strong interest in electronics, protection systems, testing, or electrical infrastructure.

You’ll also have:

• A willingness to work both on‑site and in office environments.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a curious mindset.
• The confidence to ask questions and learn from experienced professionals.
• A positive attitude and willingness to take ownership.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A current New Zealand Driver Licence.

Why Ventia?

At Ventia, you’ll work on the infrastructure that powers communities across New Zealand while gaining practical experience that many graduate roles simply can’t offer.

You’ll be supported by experienced mentors, exposed to a wide variety of projects, and given opportunities to develop both your technical and professional capabilities.

If you’re looking for a role where you can get out on site, work with real equipment, learn from industry experts, and build a career in electrical engineering, we’d love to hear from you.

Find your further. Join Ventia's Engineering & Renewable Energy team and build a career that makes a tangible impact on New Zealand's essential infrastructure.

Please note: This position is only open to candidates with current New Zealand working rights. Overseas applications will not be considered.

Applications close on 25 Sept 2026 at 5 pm

About VentiaAs a leading services provider, wemaintain, operate,and manage the essentialinfrastructure that makes modern life possible across Australia and New Zealand. With more than35,000 employeesandsubcontractorsacross 400 sites, joining Ventia means becoming part of a team that values its people, supports careergrowth,and helps everyone go further towards their full potential.

Our commitment to Fairness, Inclusion and Respect shapes how we lead, collaborate, hire and support one another. We welcome applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, including Māori and Pasifika peoples and people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs and caring responsibilities. We are dedicated to providing an accessible recruitment process and encourage you to request adjustments at any stage.