Project Engineer - Electrical

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

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Salary & benefits

Collaborative team

Major infrastructure project

Job summary

Downer is seeking an Electrical Project Engineer for a fixed-term contract in Wellington to deliver a complex thermal drying plant project. You will lead planning and execution of electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, coordinating with mechanical, civil and process teams to ensure safe, on-time delivery and commissioning.

You will manage subcontractors, read schematics, and maintain strong stakeholder engagement with clients, consultants, and OEMs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years' experience delivering electrical systems in construction, infrastructure, or industrial projects.
• Experience with switchboards, MCCs, power distribution, cabling, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, SLDs, cable schedules, and control system documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Oversee full lifecycle from design coordination to installation, testing, energisation and commissioning.
• Coordinate interfaces across mechanical, civil, and control systems to ensure seamless delivery.
• Manage subcontractors and site-based delivery with a focus on health, safety and zero harm.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Risk management

Health & safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

PLCs

Automation

Job description

We are seeking a highly capable Project Engineer Electrical to join our team in Wellington on a Fixed term contract until December 2027.

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.