NZ Relocation: HV Substation Principal Engineer

NES Fircroft; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a Senior/Principal Primary Engineer for HV substation design in New Zealand. The role leads electrical design across substations and switchyards, coordinating with protection, civil and secondary teams to ensure high‑quality deliverables that meet NZ, AUS and IEC standards.

You will develop diagrams, layouts, earthing, and specifications, mentor junior engineers and liaise with clients and suppliers on multi-disciplinary projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related discipline.
• Significant HV substation primary design experience in power transmission or distribution.
• Knowledge of substation equipment, layouts, insulation coordination, clearances and earthing.
• Experience delivering multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Familiarity with AS/NZS and IEC standards.
• Effective communication with clients and engineering teams.
• Chartered or professional registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead primary electrical design for HV substations, switchyards and related transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Develop and review single-line diagrams, general arrangements, equipment layouts, electrical clearances and earthing designs.
• Prepare and review technical specifications, design calculations, engineering drawings and equipment schedules.
• Provide engineering input for transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, busbars and other primary plant equipment.
• Coordinate primary engineering interfaces with protection and control, civil, structural and secondary systems teams.
• Manage design deliverables, engineering resources, project schedules and technical quality.
• Conduct design reviews, resolve engineering issues and provide technical support during procurement, construction and commissioning.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, equipment suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote consistent engineering standards and best practices.
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with applicable New Zealand, Australian and international standards.

Skills

Technical leadership

Electrical design

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AS/NZS standards

IEC standards

Job description

NES Fircroft is seeking a Senior/Principal Primary Engineer for HV substation design in New Zealand. The role leads electrical design across substations and switchyards, coordinating with protection, civil and secondary teams to ensure high‑quality deliverables that meet NZ, AUS and IEC standards.

You will develop diagrams, layouts, earthing, and specifications, mentor junior engineers and liaise with clients and suppliers on multi-disciplinary projects.