Senior/Principal Network Planning Engineer

Vector Limited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Career progression

Job summary

Vector Limited in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a Senior/Principal Network Planning Engineer to shape the long-term development of the city’s electricity network and own area planning.

You will assess future needs, tackle capacity constraints, and develop practical investment and customer solutions using network analysis and sound engineering judgement, influencing asset plans and planning standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering with at least five years' professional experience in electricity or a relevant sector.
• Strong experience in electricity distribution planning and ability to model complex scenarios.
• Experience with power system modelling software (DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSSE) and strong analytical skills.
• Proactive, autonomous work style with the ability to lead and mentor others at Principal level.
• Adept at communicating complex engineering concepts to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Shape long-term development of Auckland's electricity network and own area planning.
• Assess future network needs, identify capacity constraints and propose practical investments.
• Contribute to asset management plans, major connections and planning standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring for engineers on the team.
• Collaborate across customer, engineering, delivery, operations and asset planning groups.

Skills

Power system modelling

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Technical leadership

Ownership and drive

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering

Master’s degree (advantageous)

Tools

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSSE

Job description

Senior/Principal Network Planning Engineer

• Full-time
• Engagement type: Permanent - Employee

Innovation at the core. Powering a smarter future.

At Vector, we believe innovation is the key to a cleaner, more connected future. By embracing new ideas, forging strong partnerships and pioneering technologies that make energy more resilient and accessible, we’re setting new standards for our customers, and our industry.

Learn more about how Vector is reshaping the energy sector through collaborations with the biggest names globally.

Vector: Pioneering the future of energy.

• We collaborate globally - with leaders like X The Moonshot Factory, to bring cutting-edge technologies home. From innovative AI-driven grid management to advanced renewable integration, we’re shaping the future of energy.
• Our network isn’t just keeping up, it’s evolving – with predictive analytics, automation and digital tools that enhance reliability and customer experience.
• Sharing innovation – we offer technologies and business solutions across Auckland and the world, to help others embrace smarter energy systems that drive sustainability and efficiency.

If you’re passionate about building a cleaner, more connected future, join us. The future isn’t waiting – we’re building it now.

The role

As a Senior/Principal Network Planning Engineer, you’ll help shape the long-term development of Auckland’s electricity network. Taking ownership of planning for a defined area, you’ll assess future network needs, identify capacity constraints and develop practical investment and customer solutions using network analysis, modelling and sound engineering judgement. You’ll also contribute to our Asset Management Plan, major customer connections, business cases, planning standards and continuous improvement initiatives.

Area planning opportunities like this are rare. You’ll develop a genuine connection to your part of Auckland’s network and influence how it evolves over the long term. With electrification, electric vehicles, distributed generation and new customer energy technologies changing the industry, you’ll tackle emerging challenges that do not always have an established playbook. This is an opportunity to combine practical engineering with innovation and help implement new approaches that will shape the future of Auckland’s electricity network.

Working with customer, engineering, delivery, operational and asset planning teams, you’ll provide trusted technical advice and translate complex planning issues into clear recommendations. At Principal level, you’ll also provide technical leadership, mentor other engineers and have greater influence over planning standards, guidelines and best practice.

On offer is one vacancy, with the flexibility to appoint at either Senior or Principal level depending on the experience of the successful candidate.

Who are we looking for?

We envisage you’ll have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering, supported by at least five years’ professional experience in the electricity or a relevant engineering sector. A Master’s qualification would be advantageous
• Strong experience in electricity distribution network planning, with the technical capability to assess complex scenarios, identify network constraints and develop well-reasoned planning and investment solutions
• Experience with power system modelling and simulation software, ideally DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSSE or a comparable platform, along with strong analytical skills
• A proactive and self-sufficient approach, with the judgement and confidence to take ownership, make decisions and progress complex work with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, adapt your style for different audiences and explain complex engineering concepts clearly
• For appointment at Principal level, you’ll also bring demonstrated technical leadership, coaching or mentoring capability.

Why Vector

We know that great energy starts with great people, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can be, do and achieve your best:

• Enhance your wellbeing, protect your future and empower your personal and professional growth through our extensive benefits package
• Supercharge your career through internal opportunities, our progression scheme, tailored development plans and investment in your learning and growth
• We value diverse perspectives, which drive innovation and creativity. We encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work, embracing ideas that challenge and inspire
• Build a legacy doing work that matters – we’re keeping the lights on across Auckland, and driving a sustainable energy future for New Zealand.

Vector plays a leading role in enabling Auckland’s electrification by investing in smarter, more resilient infrastructure that supports growth and better outcomes for customers. From modernising our network with data and technology to accelerating electrification, we're helping power Auckland's growth and transition to a lower-carbon future.

Join us and you'll work on projects that matter, help shape the future of Auckland, and make a real impact across New Zealand.

Vector values diversity in all its forms and welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities and abilities to be part of our team.