Network Operations Engineer

North Power NZ; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible leave

KiwiSaver

Life insurance

Discounts on fuel and retail

Ongoing learning and career growth

Inclusive, safe and supportive culture

Job summary

Northpower is seeking a Network Operations Engineer in Whangarei to support the safe, reliable operation of New Zealand's electricity network. You will conduct power flow studies, analyse network constraints, and develop operational procedures for real-time outages, working with internal teams and external stakeholders.

You'll bring a degree in electrical engineering, experience in distribution or power systems, strong analytical and communication skills, and a proactive, collaborative approach

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Experience in electricity distribution, power systems, or network operations environments is preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical distribution networks, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in power system operations planning and network analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conducting power flow studies and modelling network constraints to support planned and unplanned outages.
• Providing engineering support for network operations, outage planning, and emergency response.
• Monitoring network performance and identifying opportunities to improve reliability, resilience, and capacity utilisation.
• Supporting fault investigation, restoration activities, and contingency planning for major network events.
• Developing and maintaining operational procedures, network models, and engineering documentation.
• Analysing power quality, voltage, and operational performance issues and recommending practical solutions.
• Supporting the delivery of network investment and improvement programmes.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused outcomes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Technical problem-solving

Communication skills

Collaboration

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Power system modelling software (PSS®SINCAL)

Job description

About the Role

Do you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges,improving network performance, and playing a critical role in keepingelectricity flowing to homes, businesses, and communities?

We're looking for a Network Operations Engineer to joinNorthpower's Network team. In this role, you'll provide operational engineeringexpertise that supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ourelectricity network. You'll be responsible for analysing and modelling networkconstraints, conducting power system studies, planning and coordinating networkoutages, and developing operational procedures that support real-time networkoperations. You'll work closely with operational teams, service providers,customers, and industry stakeholders to improve network performance, managerisk, and ensure we continue delivering excellent outcomes for our customers. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in powersystem analysis, emergency response planning, outage management, emerging gridtechnologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that help shape the futureof our network.

Key responsibilities

• Conductingpower flow studies and modelling network constraints to support plannedand unplanned outages
• Providingengineering support for network operations, outage planning, and emergencyresponse
• Monitoringnetwork performance and identifying opportunities to improve reliability,resilience, and capacity utilisation
• Supportingfault investigation, restoration activities, and contingency planning formajor network events
• Developingand maintaining operational procedures, network models, and engineeringdocumentation
• Analysingpower quality, voltage, and operational performance issues andrecommending practical solutions
• Supportingthe delivery of network investment and improvement programmes
• Workingwith internal and external stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, andcustomer-focused outcomes

About You

You're a technically capable engineer who enjoys problem-solving, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is passionateabout delivering reliable electricity networks.

You'll bring

• ABachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experiencewithin electricity distribution, power systems, or network operationsenvironments
• Knowledgeof electrical distribution networks, industry standards, and regulatoryrequirements
• Experiencein power system operations planning and network analysis
• Experienceusing power system modelling software such as PSS®SINCAL or similar tools
• Stronganalytical and technical problem-solving skills
• Excellentwritten and verbal communication skills
• Theability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
• Acollaborative approach and willingness to support team success
• Astrong commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Aproactive, can-do attitude and genuine desire to learn and continuouslyimprove

What's in it for you?

• Competitivepay, plus flexible leave and boosted KiwiSaver options
• Lifeinsurance, discounted medical cover and wellbeing support
• Fueland retail discounts
• Ongoinglearning, development and career progression opportunities
• Asupportive, inclusive and family-friendly culture where safety comes first
• Theopportunity to work on essential infrastructure projects that help powerNew Zealand's future

About Northpower

Proudly Kiwi-owned, Northpower is one of New Zealand'slargest infrastructure businesses, delivering electricity, fibre, renewables,transmission and energy services across Aotearoa. With over 1,400 peoplenationwide, we're proud to power the communities that rely on us every day. At Northpower, you'll join a team that plays a vital role indelivering safe, reliable electricity to the communities we serve while workingon challenging and meaningful projects that help shape the future of NewZealand's energy network.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed tocreating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Pre-employment checks include a criminal history check, medical assessment, and drug and alcohol testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.