Principal Primary Design Engineer

Phillip Riley; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in New Zealand seeks a Principal Design Engineer to shape energy generation and transmission projects. This role involves leading high voltage electrical systems, engaging with clients, and mentoring engineers, all while being part of an employee-owned company that values transparency and collaboration.

Benefits

Employee ownership

Path to shareholding

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in HV substation or grid-scale projects.
• Deep technical capability in electrical systems.
• Based in NZ or with regional experience and work rights.

Responsibilities

• Lead AIS/GIS substation primary design up to 220kV.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and digital workflows.
• Engage with network owners, generators, and EPCs.

Skills

Leadership

Technical review

Client engagement

Mentoring

Education

Chartered Engineer (CPEng or equivalent)

Tools

BIM

Job description

• Design and deliver major HV and generation infrastructure
• Trusted by utilities and developers across NZ and APAC
• Employee-owned with a path to shareholding

Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch | Hamilton | Tauranga
Full-time | Hybrid | Senior Technical Leadership

Phillip Riley has exclusively partnered with this leading consultancy as we search for four Primary Design Engineers, so if this role isn't at the right level we are also looking for Intermediate and Senior Engineers as well

Shape how New Zealand generates and transmits energy.

This role is for a Principal-level engineer with a depth of experience in high voltage electrical systems. You’ll be working on generation and grid-connected projects across the country and wider Asia-Pacific region — spanning new renewable developments, transmission upgrades, and HV integration for BESS and hydro.

Projects include:

• 220kV grid exit points and substation upgrades
• Grid integration for utility-scale wind, solar and BESS sites
• HVDC reinforcement and system resilience design
• BIM-led design and 3D model coordination for major infrastructure

Your role will cover:

• Leading AIS/GIS substation primary design (up to 220kV)
• Technical review, standards setting, and constructability input
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and digital workflows (BIM, federated models)
• Engaging directly with network owners, generators, and EPCs
• Mentoring senior engineers and contributing to project and business strategy

Who you are:

• Substantial experience in HV substation or grid-scale generation projects
• Chartered (CPEng or equivalent) with deep technical capability
• Confident leading client engagement and delivery
• Based in NZ or bringing regional experience and work rights

Why this role stands out:

• Work on nationally significant infrastructure
• Grow technical influence without giving up delivery
• Collaborate in a transparent, low-ego team culture
• Be part of an employee-owned company — with shareholding at your level

�� Apply now, or get in touch for a confidential chat by calling Daniel on [phone]

Lead HV transmission and renewable energy projects across NZ and APAC. Work with purpose, in a supportive, employee-owned team