Principal Electrical Engineer

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working (up to two days from

Wellbeing programme

Professional development opportunities

Five weeks annual leave accrual after

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking a senior electrical engineering specialist to provide technical leadership and assurance across the full asset lifecycle, from planning and design through to operations and renewals, focused on critical water infrastructure in the Wellington region.

You will develop standards, support capital projects, investigate complex electrical failures, and drive continuous improvements while mentoring engineering teams. Flexible hybrid working and strong safety culture are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• CPEng status or working towards accreditation.
• 15+ years in electrical engineering.
• Experience in water, wastewater, utilities or infrastructure.
• Knowledge of NZ electrical standards and best practice.
• Strong communication and collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and specialist electrical engineering advice.
• Develop and maintain electrical engineering standards, specifications and design practices.
• Support performance, reliability and lifecycle management of critical water infrastructure.
• Investigate complex electrical issues and drive sustainable asset performance improvements.
• Champion safe engineering practices while mentoring engineering teams.

Skills

Electrical engineering expertise

Technical leadership

Asset management

Reliability engineering

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or progressing

Job description

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week.The opportunityAs the organisation's senior electrical engineering specialist, you'll provide technical leadership and assurance to inform key investment decisions, support capital projects, and help ensure critical electrical assets remain safe, compliant, reliable and fit for purpose. You'll work across the full asset lifecycle, from planning and design through to operations, maintenance, renewals and continuous improvement.You will:provide technical leadership and specialist electrical engineering advicedevelop and maintain electrical engineering standards, specifications, preferred equipment and design practicessupport the performance, reliability and lifecycle management of critical water infrastructureinvestigate complex electrical issues and failures and drive sustainable asset performance improvementschampion safe engineering practices while mentoring engineering and technical teams.About youYou're a highly experienced electrical engineering professional who combines deep technical expertise with sound judgement, practical problem-solving ability and a collaborative leadership style.You will have:a degree in Electrical EngineeringChartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or be working towards accreditation, or hold equivalent professional recognitiona minimum of 15 years' experience in electrical engineering, ideally within water, wastewater, utilities, infrastructure or other complex industrial environmentsproven expertise providing technical leadership, design reviews and engineering assurance across both capital projects and operational assetsstrong knowledge of electrical asset management, reliability engineering, renewals and lifecycle planningexperience investigating complex electrical failures and developing sustainable engineering solutionsknowledge of New Zealand electrical standards, legislation and industry best practice.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear and practical advice.BenefitsAt Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.Our benefits include:flexible working arrangements including up to two days working from homecomprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annuallyformal and informal professional development opportunitiesfive weeks annual leave accrual will be available following two years of continual service.For a full list of our employee benefits, click here.About usTiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.Applications close: Thursday, 22 October.How to applyTo view a copy of the position description, click here.To apply for the role, click on the 'apply' button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.For further information, email: [e-mail] for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.