Technical Engineer (Lines)

Orion NZ; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

3 days of My Days leave

Wellbeing allowance

Access to holiday house in Hanmer

Job summary

Orion NZ in Christchurch is seeking a Technical Engineer (Lines) to deliver engineered designs, specifications and technical advice across the overhead network. You will shape standards and maintenance practices and develop our asset information to support lifecycle decisions.

You'll inspect poles, towers and conductors, work with suppliers and internal teams to balance safety, performance and cost, and contribute to asset management plans and industry standards.

Qualifications

• NZDE Level 6 qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong background in electricity power systems and overhead lines infrastructure across design, construction, operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of overhead line assets up to 66 kV; familiarity with NZ and international suppliers.
• Registration as an electrical worker is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engineered designs, specifications and technical advice across our overhead network.
• Shape and improve standards, specifications and maintenance practices for poles, towers, conductors and equipment.
• Develop overhead network model and asset information to support lifecycle decisions.
• Involve in pole inspections, condition assessments and failure investigations.
• Collaborate with suppliers, consultants and internal teams to review designs balancing safety, performance, risk and cost.
• Identify better ways of doing things, including trialling new equipment and contributing to asset management plans and industry standards.

Skills

Overhead line design

Electrical power systems

Collaborative problem-solving

Education

NZDE Level 6 or equivalent

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Step into a role where your engineering expertise will directly influence the safety, reliability and future performance of our overhead network. As a Technical Engineer (Lines) in our Reticulation team, you'll work across a diverse range of assets, from 66 kV tower circuits through to low voltage poles - solving technical challenges and helping shape how these assets are managed for the long term.

You'll work closely with teams across the business, service providers, consultants and industry peers. From engineered solutions and standards to pole condition assessments, failure investigations, asset modelling and lifecycle planning, your expertise will help turn complex information into practical, well-informed decisions.

If you enjoy getting into the technical detail, solving problems and finding better ways to manage assets, this is an opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on our network.

About us

Passionate, curious, and innovative are a few words that describe our people. We are powering the future, connecting communities, and igniting innovation. Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. As the third largest electricity distribution network in New Zealand, we cover remote rural areas, regional towns, and the city of Christchurch.

We are an essential service and take our responsibilities seriously. We are community owned and working here means a career with meaning and purpose that makes a difference in your very own neighbourhood.

The role

• Deliver engineered designs, specifications and technical advice across our overhead network
• Shape and improve standards, specifications and maintenance practices that guide how our poles, towers, conductors, switchgear and related equipment are managed
• Develop our overhead network model and asset information helping turn good data into better structural, planning and lifecycle decisions
• Get involved in pole inspections, condition assessments and failure investigations to understand what's happening and what needs to happen next
• Work alongside suppliers, consultants and internal teams to review designs, equipment and technical solutions, balancing safety, performance, risk and cost
• Look for better ways of doing things, from trialling new equipment and technology to contributing to asset management plans and industry standards

About you

• Level 6 NZDE qualification or comparable practical experience, along with a strong background in electricity power systems and overhead lines infrastructure across design, construction, operation and maintenance
• Comprehensive technical knowledge of overhead line assets up to and including 66 kV, with familiarity with equipment suppliers in New Zealand and internationally
• Strong understanding of relevant standards and requirements, including AS/NZS 7000:2016, NZECP 34, the Electricity Act 1992, H&S at Work Act 2015 and Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
• A confident communicator and collaborative problem-solver who can adapt to changing circumstances, understand new concepts and build strong working relationships
• Registration as an electrical worker is desirable, along with knowledge of EEA guides, industry safety manuals and other distribution equipment

We offer

At Orion, you'll find that you can come as you are and just be you. You will be joining a workplace that values who you are, the work you do, and the way you think. Importantly, we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements, and flexible locations with our Head office in Burnside and satellite offices in Rolleston and Ferrymead
• Three days of "My Days" leave
• A broad range of workplace benefits from a wellbeing allowance to access to our holiday house in Hanmer!

You might be surprised to find out that the company that brings the power to your home is innovative, inclusive, progressive, and quite good fun.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job. Pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.