​Engineering & Asset Specialist

Engineering & Asset Specialist – Electricity Networks​ 

Internal Title: Power Assets Manager 

📍 New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Tauranga or Wellington, with the flexibility to work from the location that suits you best.

🕐 Permanent - Full-time

Purpose of the role 

In this role, you’ll lead the team responsible for the critical assets at the heart of Powerco’s electricity network including substations, transformers, switchgear, protection, control and supporting infrastructure. Together, these assets help us safely and reliably supply electricity to more than 350,000 customer connections while supporting the network’s changing needs. 

It is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, commercial judgement and people leadership. Working alongside highly capable engineers and asset specialists, you’ll make risk-based investment decisions that balance safety, reliability, affordability and long-term customer outcomes. 

If you enjoy solving technical problems, working with data and analytics, guiding strategic investment decisions, and leading talented people, this role offers the best of both engineering and leadership. 

What you’ll do 

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of engineers and asset specialists responsible for the equipment and systems that keep Powerco’s substations safe, reliable and ready for the future. 
• Provide technical leadership and direction on asset health, risk, reliability and investment priorities. 
• Use data, analysis and engineering judgement to make informed asset management and investment decisions. 
• Develop long-term strategies for critical network assets including transformers, switchgear, protection systems and associated substation equipment. 
• Work alongside planning, operations and delivery teams to ensure investment decisions deliver value for customers and support network reliability. 
• Be a key contributor to Powerco’s asset management, investment planning and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Help shape the future electricity network as New Zealand transitions toward greater electrification and renewable energy. 

What you’ll bring 

We’re open to candidates from across the electricity and infrastructure sectors who are excited by the opportunity to combine technical leadership with people leadership. 

• A degree qualification in electrical engineering or a related discipline. 
• Experience working with high-voltage electrical assets, ideally substations, transformers, switchgear or related infrastructure. 
• The ability to interpret technical information, understand risk, and make sound commercial decisions. 
• A passion for data, analysis and evidence-based decision-making. 
• Experience leading people, influencing stakeholders or providing technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams. 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships. 

Experience in asset management, investment planning, operations, maintenance, engineering design, projects or consulting within the electricity, energy or wider infrastructure sectors will be highly regarded. Most importantly, you'll bring sound engineering judgement, curiosity, and a desire to help shape the long-term future of critical infrastructure assets. 

📅 Applications close: Sunday 11 October 2026

Our ability to get the best out of people is what sets Powerco apart. We realise that candidates – especially from underrepresented and neurodiverse backgrounds – often won’t apply for roles unless they meet ALL the criteria. We encourage anyone who shares our passion for connecting communities to apply for any role that aligns to your strengths and interests. We will provide a safe space where you can bring your whole self to work and thrive.  

If you would benefit from support or adjustments in order to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please phone 0800 769372 or email kiaora@powerco.co.nz