Principal Engineer Substations

JobSpace; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global specialists access

Job summary

Jacobs in New Zealand is seeking a Principal Substation Engineer to lead MV/HV substation designs and influence major transmission projects. You will provide technical leadership from concept through detailed design, acting as a trusted advisor to utilities and infrastructure clients.

This senior role requires CPEng registration or the ability to obtain it, deep expertise in Primary, Secondary or Protection Engineering, and a collaborative approach to mentoring others as we expand our APAC

Qualifications

• CPEng registration or ability to obtain it.
• Expertise in Primary, Secondary or Protection Engineering.
• Solid understanding of New Zealand utility standards.
• Demonstrated client-facing experience.
• Collaborative approach and passion for developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and review MV/HV substation designs (22kV-220kV).
• Provide technical leadership across concept, detailed design and design assurance.
• Act as a trusted advisor to utilities, developers and infrastructure clients.
• Support major pursuits, bids and strategic client engagements.
• Mentor engineers and champion technical excellence.
• Influence project outcomes, standards and best practice across the wider team.

Education

CPEng registration

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.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

The energy transition is driving some of the most significant investments New Zealand's electricity network has seen in decades. At Jacobs, we're delivering the transmission and substation projects enabling that future and we're looking for a Principal Substation Engineer to help lead the way. This opportunity exists for a senior technical person experienced in Primary, Secondary or Protection looking to influence major substation projects, solve complex engineering challenges and help shape the future of our growing APAC Transmission & Distribution business.

Here's What You'll Do

• Lead and review MV/HV substation designs (22kV-220kV).
• Provide technical leadership across concept, detailed design and design assurance.
• Act as a trusted advisor to utilities, developers and infrastructure clients.
• Support major pursuits, bids and strategic client engagements.
• Mentor engineers and champion technical excellence.
• Influence project outcomes, standards and best practice across the wider team.

Here's what you'll need

• CPEng registration, or the ability to obtain it
• Expertise in Primary, Secondary or Protection Engineering
• A solid understanding of New Zealand utility standards and requirements
• Demonstrated technical judgement and client-facing experience
• A collaborative approach and passion for developing others

Why Jacobs?

• Major transmission and energy transition projects
• Access to local and global technical specialists
• Influence over technical direction and project delivery
• Flexible ways of working
• A team that values expertise, collaboration and continuous growth

Cultural Support: Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Locations

• Christchurch - All NZ Regions - New Zealand
• Wellington - All NZ Regions - New Zealand