Project Engineer - Electrical

Downer Group; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer seeks a Project Engineer Electrical to join our Wellington Seaview team, delivering a complex thermal drying plant. You will oversee electrical, instrumentation and control systems from design coordination through commissioning.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, 5+ years’ experience, and strong ability to read schematics and manage cross-disciplinary interfaces with a focus on safety and delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years delivering electrical systems in construction or industrial projects.
• Proven ability to read schematics, SLDs, and control system documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of electrical works from design to commissioning.
• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Coordinate interfaces across mechanical, civil, and control systems.
• Manage subcontractors and site-based delivery.
• Ensure safety, Zero Harm, and project quality.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Electrical systems

SCADA/automation

Site delivery management

Subcontractor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

About the Team

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure.
We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors.
Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Job Description

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly capable Project Engineer Electrical to join our team and play a critical role in delivering a complex thermal drying plant project based in Wellington Seaview. Reporting to the Construction Manager, this role will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of all electrical, instrumentation, and control systems ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes.

You will oversee the full lifecycle of electrical works, from design coordination and procurement through to installation, testing, energisation, and commissioning. With a strong focus on integration across mechanical, civil, and control systems, you’ll ensure seamless delivery and reliable plant operation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a technically challenging project while contributing to critical infrastructure that supports sustainable industrial processes.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for an experienced Electrical Project Engineer who can bring strong technical expertise, leadership, and delivery capability to a fast-paced construction environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years’ experience delivering electrical systems within construction, infrastructure, or industrial/process projects
• Proven experience with:
  • Switchboards, MCCs, power distribution systems
  • Cabling, field installations, instrumentation, and control systems
  • Testing, energisation, and commissioning of electrical systems
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, SLDs, cable schedules, and control system documentation
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary interfaces across mechanical, civil, and control systems

You will also bring:

• Demonstrated capability in managing subcontractors and site-based delivery
• Strong commercial awareness including cost tracking, variations, and forecasting
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, working with clients, consultants, OEMs, and integrators
• A proactive approach to problem solving, risk management, and delivery optimisation
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and Zero Harm principles
• Experience in water, wastewater, or industrial/process plant environments
• Knowledge of SCADA, PLCs, and automation/control systems
• Experience with FAT/SAT, system integration, and commissioning processes

What we offer

• Opportunity for career growth with structured frameworks and a supportive, inclusive team
• Competitive salary and employee benefits
• A valued and respected position within an experienced and collaborative team
• The chance to work on a major, industry-leading infrastructure project

About Energy & Utilities

Downer’s Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate, and maintain critical assets across water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial, and power generation sectors bringing together technical expertise, engineering capability, and dedicated field crews.

Downer is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement

Job Info

• Job Identification 733585
• Job Category Capital Works Delivery
• Posting Date 08/12/2026, 01:29 AM
• Locations Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand