Asset Engineer - Underground Assets

Asset Engineer - Underground Assets

📍 New Plymouth, Tauranga or Palmerston North

🕐 Permanent - Full-time

If you find the world of cables, transformers, and switchgear fascinating and you’re ready to lift the lid on electrical underground assets to become the go-to expert in one of our underground asset types, this is your next role.

Powerco is looking for an Asset Engineer – Underground Assets to join our Network Assets team. You’ll play a key part in ensuring our underground distribution assets perform safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout their lifecycle with a view to the future.

This is your opportunity to help shape underground asset lifecycle strategies for one of New Zealand’s largest electricity distribution networks and grow into a recognised subject matter expert in the asset class you’re passionate about.

What you’ll be doing

In this specialist role, you will:

• Support the development and ongoing improvement of Powerco’s renewal strategy and 10-year renewal investment plans for underground assets.
• Contribute to the update of Powerco’s Asset Management Plan, forecasting a 10-year view across key asset fleets.
• Take ownership of assigned asset investments, ensuring they deliver the value and outcomes expected.
• Provide asset management oversight of project and maintenance delivery.
• Become Powerco’s Subject Matter Expert in a primary underground asset class.
• Participate in the Engineer on Call after-hours support roster for our Control Room.
• Collaborate closely with other fleet specialists to ensure seamless asset management.
• Champion best-practice asset lifecycle management, risk modelling, diagnostics, condition monitoring while staying connected with industry bodies such as EEA and CIGRE.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, understands how underground assets behave over time, and wants to keep improving how we manage them.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline), with relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years working in asset management, maintenance/construction, or engineering roles.
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution assets, failure modes, lifecycle management, and risk assessment.
• Experience using asset modelling and analytical tools (e.g., CNAIM).
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A data-driven approach, able to make sound, informed decisions that balance performance, cost, and risk.
• A mindset centred around continuous improvement, efficiency, and delivering optimal asset performance.
• Economic or financial analysis capability (a bonus, but not essential).

Why Powerco?

At Powerco, we don’t micromanage or prescribe your every move. Our tikanga is to work collaboratively, using the strengths of everyone in the team. In line with our Better Together value, we’ll shape and evolve this role with you so you feel proud to be here and proud of the contribution you make.

Apply now and help us keep the energy flowing.

📅 Applications close: Friday 16 January 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