Mercury Website

Mercury NZ Limited; Rotorua, Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in New Zealand is seeking a Geothermal Development Engineer to lead strategic planning for geothermal projects. This role involves collaboration with various teams and innovation in renewable energy generation. Candidates should hold a relevant engineering degree and possess strong analytical skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays)

$400 one-off tax-free payment for home office setup

Discounted health insurance

Excellent well-being programme

Flexible working policy

Qualifications

• Experience in field development planning, economic analysis, and integrated subsurface/surface modelling.
• Advanced skills in financial modelling, decision analysis, and risk assessment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and optimisation of geothermal field development projects.
• Evaluate subsurface conditions and explore project viability.
• Design systems to enhance geothermal resources for renewable energy generation.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Collaboration

Decision Analysis

Technical Leadership

Innovation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field)

Job description

Hamilton, Rotorua, Flexible in office / site location // Geothermal Development Engineer / Specialist

Mercury is a bold future-focused organisation, providing energy and telecommunications to more Kiwis than anyone else, leading the way with renewable energy and working toward a sustainable future. At the heart is our purpose. Taking care of tomorrow: connecting people and place today. This pushes us to do all we can to create a better future for our people, our communities, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Are you passionate about harnessing the earth's internal heat for a sustainable future? Known internally as a Field Development Specialist Engineer, we are looking for someone to join our team and play a pivotal role in developing New Zealand's next generation of geothermal energy projects.

In this role you will lead the strategic planning and optimisation of geothermal field development projects, integrating technical, engineering and commercial insights to maximise the value of both new and existing geothermal assets. Working closely with geologists, engineers and commercial teams to evaluate subsurface conditions, explore project viability and design systems that enhance the use of geothermal resources for renewable energy generation.

Why this is a great opportunity:

• Be at the forefront: You'll help deliver a pipeline of new geothermal developments, fulfilling our promise to stakeholders and supporting New Zealand's transition to a low-carbon economy
• Impact: Your work will directly contribute to lowering the nation's carbon emissions and expanding renewable electricity for sectors like transport and process heat.
• Excitement and growth: Work on projects ranging from large-scale power plants to innovative smaller applications, shaping the future of energy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our business operates a hybrid work environment, providing you the flexibility to work from home two days per week while collaborating with teams the remaining days in the office or on site. The preference is for this role to be based in Rotorua, close to our geothermal assets.

Tāu e mahi ai | What you'll be doing:

• Strategic Planning: Integrate technical data from geology, reservoir engineering, and surface infrastructure to develop comprehensive geothermal development strategies for both new (greenfield) and existing (brownfield) geothermal assets.
• Collaboration: Work closely with geologists, engineers, and other Mercury teams to ensure responsible, efficient, and value-maximizing use of geothermal resources.
• Decision Analysis: Build and maintain financial models, evaluate project viability, and conduct risk assessments to inform investment decisions.
• Technical Leadership: Work with cross-functional teams, assess technology alternatives, and support prefeasibility studies for geothermal and hydro growth opportunities.
• Innovation: Explore and design systems that enhance geothermal resource use, from concept through to construction and ongoing operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field)
• Experience in field development planning, economic analysis, and integrated subsurface/surface modelling (ideally in geothermal projects)
• Advanced skills in financial modelling, decision analysis, and risk assessment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the confidence to present complex information to senior management
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a cross-functional environment
• Knowledge of power generation systems, regulatory frameworks, and geothermal reservoir engineering concepts
• Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays)
• $400 one off tax-free payment towards setting up your home office
• A diverse workplace where your unique abilities and talents will be recognised and encouraged
• Annual salary reviews with excellent parental leave policy, with the option to purchase additional leave
• The opportunities, career paths and facilities associated with working for one of New Zealand's largest multi-utility providers
• Flexible working policy - The autonomy and trust to work flexibly from our purpose-built premises and from home, recognising the value of this flexibility in the modern world
• Discounted health insurance and free life and income insurance
• Excellent well-being programme including up to $100 annual check ups and confidential assistance programme
• Gender affirmation leave and supportive bereavement leave to be taken when you lose anyone close to you, including your pet

Mercury is a learning organisation that is committed to providing you with opportunities to grow and develop that will benefit you now and in the future. Part of your role includes building your skillset and mindset through a variety of ways. We believe this creates an energised, innovative and agile work environment where you will feel valued.

Every voice has its place - and together, we thrive.

At Mercury, we believe that having a team of individuals with different backgrounds, experience and capability working together makes us stronger and better as an organisation. We know that some candidates may only apply for a role if they meet all of the criteria. If you want to join our team, we encourage you to apply for any role that matches your skills, capabilities and interests, even if you aren't sure if you meet all of the criteria.

Please click 'apply' to submit your application. If you require accessibility or assistance support from us during the application and selection process, please reach out to [e-mail] . Please do not apply via this email address.

A full position description is available below. Applications close Monday, 6 th October at 5:00pm.Please note that Mercury retains the right to bring a particularly strong candidate through to interview more quickly.

Reference # 40961

Posted 22 Sep 2025

Closing 06 Oct 2025 17:00

Location(s) Hamilton, Rotorua, Flexible in office / site location

Expertise Commercial Operations, Data Science, Geothermal, Stakeholder engagement & management