Senior Engineer - Power System Studies

Transpower New Zealand; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in New Zealand is seeking a Power Systems Analyst to support renewable energy integration. The role involves conducting generator connection studies, analyzing operational challenges, and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Suitable candidates should have significant experience in power system modelling and a relevant degree. The position is based in Christchurch with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Health and wellness benefits

Diverse work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years leading power system studies.
• Experience in preparing/validating power flow cases and dynamic models.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Perform generator connection and system impact studies.
• Engage with Electricity Authority and industry participants.
• Explore challenges of transitioning to a 100% renewable electricity system.

Skills

Power system modelling

Dynamic modelling

Time-domain simulations

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Siemens PSSE

DSA Tools

PSCAD

Job description

Overview

Join the System Operator in Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton or Christchurch. Perform power studies and analysis to support generator connections and validate dynamic models of generation connecting to the power system.

Our core purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand – a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable and secure electricity system. The System Operator operates the wholesale electricity market and manages power system security now and into the future. Our Power Systems group provides power system analysis and engineering, risk and assurance management to enable Transpower in its role as System Operator to meet principal performance obligations. Read more about the System Operator here: https://www.transpower.co.nz/system-operator

About the Team

Our Power Systems Engineering team, along with the Power Systems Development and Engineering Assurance teams in the System Operator, work closely with electricity industry participants to understand how their assets perform against their obligations, and to study existing and future power system risks and technologies. They ensure our National Coordination Centre (balancing power supply and demand in real time) and the wider System Operator teams have access to the right information, models and engineering support for operating the electricity market and power system.

Our Power Systems Engineering team are experts in power system modelling and analysis and support the Engineering Assurance (Commissioning) Team by reviewing power system connection studies provided by Asset Owners and Generators. They review risks and impacts to the System Operator as a result of connection to ensure compliance with the electricity industry participation code. They also produce industry information including: System Security Forecast | Transpower; Electricity Authority – EMI (market statistics and tools) (ea.govt.nz); Event categorisation | Transpower.

The Opportunity

If you love power systems analysis and have a passion for renewable energy, joining the System Operator will give you the opportunity to collaborate with subject matter experts and work on stimulating, meaningful tasks including:

• Generator Connection and System Impact studies
• Exploring the impacts of Inverter Based Resources and Battery Energy Storage
• Compliance Assessment Studies

You will explore and communicate the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a 100% renewable electricity system. You will engage with the Electricity Authority and industry participants to enable a secure and resilient power system for generations to come.

What will you bring?

Experience in time-domain simulations, dynamic modelling, and analysing operational challenges of integrating renewable generation.

You may have worked for a Transmission System Operator, Grid Owner or Engineering Consultancy modelling and analysing complex power systems. You should enjoy working autonomously and as part of a team, considering implications of system stability and system security for power system operations.

To be considered, your CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or related field with Power Systems papers
• 7 or more years leading power system studies
• Proven experience with preparing/validating power flow cases and dynamic models in PowerFactory for conducting power system analysis and simulations. If applicable, share reports you have been involved with.
• Working knowledge of power system analysis tools to support building dynamic power system models and performing load flow and time-domain simulations; ideally in DIgSILENT PowerFactory (or Siemens PSSE). DSA Tools or PSCAD are a bonus!
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret complex problems or processes, identify requirements and develop alternatives.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills to concisely convey complex technical information and grow the power system modelling/engineering capability of others

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders – every day and long into the future. With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives and experience which we value. We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week to build relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes, and sustain our culture. This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times. We prioritise wellbeing with a wide range of employee health and wellness benefits.

Next steps

Please review the links in the advert and position description via our careers website and apply without delay. Role closes Monday 13 October 2025; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you may be contacted to explore your application or arrange an interview prior to the close date.