Network Planning Engineer

Counties Energy; Pukekohe; On-site; NZD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life, and income protection

Enhanced partner's leave

Training and development opportunities

Relocation packages

KiwiSaver + Me Day + extra sick leave

Job summary

Counties Energy, based in Pukekohe, is seeking a Network Planning Engineer to help shape the region's energy future. You will work within Network Development to forecast loads, assess connections, plan augmentations, and guide DER integration.

You will contribute to the Asset Management Plan and provide technical leadership across protection and DER projects. The role calls for a tertiary Electrical Engineering qualification, 5+ years in energy, and experience with power systems software like

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering with distribution network or power systems specialty.
• Professional engineering registration or demonstration of good progress towards such registration highly regarded.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience with power systems analysis software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare load forecasts and review network constraints.
• Undertake connection assessments and initiate network augmentation projects.
• Review power quality violations and contribute to Asset Management Plan development.
• Provide expertise on integrating DERs and analyze their impact on network performance.

Skills

Teachable attitude

Independent work

Proactive learning

Analytical

Attention to detail

Stakeholder collaboration

Calm under pressure

Education

Electrical Engineering degree (distribution network or power systems)

Professional engineering registration (or pursuing)

Tools

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Say hello to Counties EnergyEnergy Reimagined

At Counties Energy, our purpose is to power thriving communities by unlocking the full energy potential of the region to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

As a 100% community owned electricity distributor, we deliver safe and reliable power to more than 50,000 homes and businesses from south Auckland to the top of the Waikato.

As a Network Planning Engineer, you will play a vital role in Counties Energy's Network Development functions including Network Planning, Protection, Future Technologies, and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Your key responsibilities include preparing load forecasts, reviewing network constraints, undertaking connection assessments, initiating network augmentation projects, reviewing power quality violations and contributing to the development of the Asset Management Plan.

As a thought leader in our business, you'll provide expertise on the changing energy sector, anticipating its impact on Counties Energy. Additionally, you'll develop and implement strategies to integrate DERs effectively, analyse their impact on network performance, and conduct assessments for proposed DER Projects.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of energy and have the skills for forward-thinking network planning, we welcome you to be part of the Counties Energy team.

• Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering with distribution network or power systems specialty.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the energy or infrastructure sector;
• Experience with power systems analysis software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory preferred;
• Teachable attitude, willingness to learn and motivation for new challenges;
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to learn on their own.
• Proactive approach to learning new technologies, systems, and tools.
• Professional engineering registration or demonstration of good progress towards such registration highly regarded;
• Calm, professional temperament with ability to cope in pressured environments, maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and staff during challenging times;
• Resilient and tenacious; successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions and looks for opportunities to improve the current state;
• Numerate and analytical; highly organised and methodical, makes decisions based on facts and analysis;
• Able to work autonomously and being self-driven to produce good quality outcomes in a timely manner;
• Exceptional attention to detail;
• A good knowledge of applicable legislation and industry guidelines.

At Counties Energy, we value a growth mindset, so if you have most of these skills or characteristics in your toolbox, we encourage you to apply.

Based in Pukekohe, we have a great culture that is fun, friendly, and supportive, you'll quickly see why working with us is something special.

• Health, life, and income protection insurance
• Enhanced paid partner's leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Relocation packages
• Remuneration for this position is $115,000 to $145,000 gross per annumand is dependent on current skills and experience you bring to the role,
• This role is permanent full time working a minimum of 40 hours per week and maximum of 50 hours per week,

Plus, after 12 months, you'll also receive:

• Increased company KiwiSaver Contribution to 4%,
• A paid 'Me Day' for you, to use as you choose and,
• An extra five days of sick leave.

Find out more about us

As one of New Zealand's most progressive energy companies, we power everything from homes and businesses, through to new tech innovations and life-changing ideas. But we're more than just power – we're a technology and energy business, and as Aotearoa New Zealand transitions to a low carbon future, we'll continue to lead change to be fully prepared for what's next.

Based in Pukekohe, our sights are set nationwide for our future. With an asset base of $577m and revenue of $171m per year, our people at Counties Energy number over 200, while our subsidiary ECL Group, a technology and energy solutions company which spans the country, employs around 300 staff.

Our network is evolving and growing at one of the fastest rates in the country. We're seeking great talent to build, plan and maintain this growth.

Find out more about us and our journey towards our new energy future - countiesenergy.co.nz.