Principal Advisor - Engineer

Come help ensure New Zealand’s electricity system remains secure and resilient in the coming decades while having fun in a high performing organisation.

We are looking for an experienced power systems engineer to support our programme of work in managing the efficient transition of the electricity system to a low-emissions energy system, while maintaining security and resilience on the system.

About the role

The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown entity that regulates the electricity market. We are the kaitiaki of electricity. Our purpose is to enhance New Zealander’s lives, prosperity & environment through electricity.

You will be reporting directly to the Manager – Future Security and Resilience and will support the transition to a low emission future through leading key transformational projects to implementation.

Transitioning to a net zero emissions economy will require a material increase in renewables, presenting new challenges to the operation of and investment in the electricity market, and to maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient electricity supply. Electricity systems worldwide, including New Zealand’s, have been designed on the assumption that a material proportion of generation is fueled by fossil fuels. The move towards a highly renewable system, and the uptake of new technology, present opportunities for other technologies to provide the services that are typically supplied by hydro generation and supported by fossil fuels, particularly when insufficient hydro is available. Capturing these opportunities and managing these challenges will have a meaningful impact for the long-term benefit of consumers. 

This is an opportunity to join a high performing and agile team who are all committed to excellence and making a real difference.

Why work for us?

We know it is important to maintain a healthy work life balance and in recognition of this the Authority offers several benefits and initiatives to support our staff achieve this.

• Flexible work arrangements 
• Competitive salary from $152,844 to $191,056
• Ongoing training, support, and professional development
• Opportunities for career advancement
• A range of health, wellbeing, and social initiatives including wellbeing and working from home allowances, EAP services, monthly wellbeing, and social events and much more.

Are you someone with the following?

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a minimum of 10 years experience in power systems engineering
• Have CPEng (NZ) or the equivalent
• Relevant industry experience
• Strong analytical skills 
• A can-do attitude and high level of initiative, sound judgement and discretion
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy 
• Ability to form and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. 

A familiarity with electricity markets and a relevant background will help you comfortably engage the wider industry and provide technical and policy advice to our Chief Executive and the Board.

More detailed information about this position can be found in the position description below, if you have any additional questions about this role, please email MyHR@ea.govt.nz

Are you interested?

If you are ready for a challenge - Click on the "Apply Now" and complete the on-line application form.  Please note it is important that you complete all sections of the on-line application.

To apply for this role, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.

Application close Friday 27 September 2024. 

Please note we do not always work to fixed closing dates and will start considering applications as soon as they are received so we encourage you to apply early.