Principal Protection Engineer

Jacobs; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa friendly recruitment

Hybrid working

Cutting edge projects

Inclusive culture

Global training

Private health insurance

Salary continuation

Employee share schemes

Additional leave

Work From Anywhere

Job summary

Jacobs seeks a Principal Protection Engineer to lead protection and control projects across New Zealand’s Transmission and Distribution networks. You will develop protection settings, review schemes, and build strong client relationships while mentoring engineers and collaborating with APAC teams.

The role offers hybrid working arrangements, visa-friendly relocation, and opportunities to influence NZ’s energy transition within a global, inclusive engineering culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive expertise in Protection Engineering for Transmission and Distribution networks.
• Experience leading protection and control design across APAC exposure is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead protection and control design across APAC for major utility clients.
• Develop protection settings and relay configuration files for various schemes.
• Perform power system modelling and simulation using standard software.
• Oversee relay coordination studies and fault level analyses.

Skills

Protection engineering

Power systems

Relay coordination

Education

Engineering degree (Washington Accord)

Job description

Principal Protection Engineer, open to local talent or international candidates looking to relocate and help shape the future of energy in New Zealand

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.

Why Relocate to NZ with Jacobs?

Join a team that blends global expertise with local impact and enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living in one of the world's most unique and welcoming countries.

What Jacobs Offers

• Visa friendly recruitment, we welcome overseas applicants and support relocation pathways.
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid options (work from home 2 days per week).
• The chance to work on cutting edge Protection and Control projects that play a critical role in NZ’s energy transition.
• An inclusive, diverse team culture with strong technical collaboration across the APAC region.
• Global training, professional development and continuous learning support.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including
• Private health and salary continuation insurance.
• Discounted employee share schemes.
• Up to four additional weeks purchased leave.
• A unique “Work From Anywhere” policy, enabling short periods (30 days) of work from another country.

Here's what you'll need

Our Principal Protection Engineer plays a central role in delivering critical Protection and Control projects across NZ’s Transmission and Distribution networks. Here's an overview of this exciting position

• Provide technical leadership and support the direction for Protection and Control across APAC.
• Oversee design, review and implementation of protection and control schemes for major utility and infrastructure clients.
• Develop complex protection settings and relay configuration files for a range of schemes.
• Conduct advanced power system modelling and simulation using industry standard software.
• Lead relay coordination studies, fault level analysis and short circuit assessments.
• Apply deep expertise in secondary systems and High Voltage protection principles.
• Build and maintain client relationships, support bids and business development.
• Mentor and upskill engineers alongside the management team.

We're seeking a high calibre engineer with

• A recognised engineering degree accredited under the Washington Accord (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Extensive expertise in Protection Engineering for Transmission and Distribution networks.

#APMEEPJOBS #ANZEPJOBS

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about ourJacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption, and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

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. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

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.