Principal Engineer - Primary Design

What's On Offer

• A competitive total fixed remuneration package benchmarked at the upper quartile of the NZ electrical engineering market, reviewed annually
• The chance to work on technically demanding, high-profile infrastructure projects; Transpower connection works, EDB capital programmes, and generation connection studies that genuinely shape New Zealand's energy future
• A principal-level role with real autonomy: you will lead projects, make decisions, and be trusted to deliver without layers of bureaucracy getting in the way
• A collaborative, values-led team that genuinely looks after each other, embraces diverse perspectives, and takes pride in doing the right thing
• Investment in your professional development : a culture that supports upskilling, encourages innovation, and recognises great work
• A strong health, safety, and wellbeing framework, where safety is not a compliance exercise but a core value embedded at every level of the business
• An employee assistance programme and a team culture that recognises you are a whole person with a life outside of work

New Zealand- The Lifestyle Advantage

• A country consistently ranked among the world's most liveable, with outstanding natural environment, low crime, and excellent public services
• Christchurch specifically offers mountains, coast, and open space on your doorstep — ski fields less than 90 minutes away, world-class cycling and walking, and a city that has genuinely reinvented itself over the past decade
• A lower cost of living than London, Sydney, or Auckland — your salary goes further, and the commute is a fraction of what most UK engineers are used to
• A stable, well-regarded energy sector with long-term infrastructure investment and genuine engineering career depth

The Opportunity
Our client is one of New Zealand's most respected specialist engineering consultancies, delivering high voltage substation primary design for Transpower and electricity distribution businesses across the country. This is a rare opportunity to join a technically excellent team at the principal level — leading complex transmission projects, mentoring graduate engineers, and shaping outcomes on infrastructure that underpins New Zealand's energy future.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading primary design of HV substations from concept through to detailed design and delivery
• Managing projects end-to-end — scope, budget, timelines, and client satisfaction
• Preparing and reviewing detailed drawings for primary high voltage and LVAC designs
• Cable modelling and cost estimation using Transpower's TEES system
• Providing input into secondary schematics and R&I diagrams
• Liaising with earthing, protection, SCADA, and civil subconsultants
• Mentoring and technically guiding graduate and junior engineers
• Identifying and supporting business development and tendering opportunities

Your Background

• 15+ years' experience in HV primary design — NZ, Australia, or equivalent UK/international utility sector
• Washington Accord accredited degree, BE(Hons) NZQF Level 8, or CPEng (CEng IET recognised)
• Strong track record in transmission substation design and project delivery
• Experience in a design consultancy environment advantageous
• Skilled technical author with excellent report writing ability

What Makes You Stand Out

• Hands-on Transpower or DNO-equivalent project experience
• Commercial acumen — quoting, planning, accountability for project financials
• Strong communicator with clients and multidisciplinary teams
• Driven, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure to tight timescales
• High regard for safety by design and quality assurance
  
  Apply online or contact Matt Love-Smith on matt@talenthive.nz