Bring your well-developed modelling expertise in transients and power quality
Contribute to investment proposals to upgrade HVDC and dynamic reactive plant
Work collaboratively to ensure the future capability of the National Grid
Transpower is New Zealand's National Grid owner and System Operator. We take a whole-of-industry view of the electricity sector and operate the system on behalf of New Zealand. Our core purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand - a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable and secure electricity system.
The rapid energy transition and advent of grid scale inverter-based renewable (IBR) generation and further electrification of industry and households will require and place higher reliance on advanced power electronic and reactive power control systems. Grid behaviour is becoming more dynamic and new frameworks, models, and tools are required to support Transmission system planning for the transition while maintaining a stable and reliable grid.
About the team
Transpower's Grid Development division works to support and identify future grid needs over the next 30 years to ensure the health and performance of our assets supports planned or potential investment in generation and significant expected growth in electricity demand.
Our future focused Power System Dynamics team provides specialist engineering support and collaborates with other engineering teams across Grid Development, Operations (the System Operator), and Grid Delivery.
The team delivers:
Power system modelling (static and dynamic) and engineering to support the stable long-term operation of the power system as a whole including new control and monitoring technologies for the grid
Frameworks, tools, modelling, and analysis for specialist power system analysis, including power system stability, electromagnetic transients, and power quality
Contribution to Grid Upgrade Plans for HVDC and dynamic reactive plant investment proposals
Reactive Power Control (RPC), HVDC, and Power Electronics engineering and control systems analysis, including modelling, standard designs, requirements specification, design review, and project engineering support for new installations
Input into the development of relevant policies, standards, and operating procedures
Support for evaluation of emerging grid technologies for use on the New Zealand power system
Be involved in the most technically challenging modelling and analysis!
Joining us you'll play a meaningful part in providing power system modelling and dynamic analysis to plan the future direction of the Grid. You'll analyse the power system to ensure it remains stable while we further electrify the NZ economy.
Over the next 18 months and beyond work will be fascinating, and includes investigating power quality issues, contributing to dynamic modelling and analysis, and the design and acceptance of the HVDC Control System Upgrade and dynamic reactive plant installations.
The System Dynamics team leads the most technically demanding engineering modelling and analysis challenges - which influence what Transpower specifies, procures, installs, and commissions on the electricity grid (projects in size up to $500m). Engaging in all stages of this process, will broaden and deepen your perspective and experience.
What will you bring?
At "Senior" Engineer level you'll ideally hold CPEng or an international equivalent and:
7+ years' experience in EMT modelling of power systems
Experience with FACTS/HVDC control systems engineering
Python scripting
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop engineers' technical and soft skills
While not essential, a master's or PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems will be advantageous.
Membership of professional affiliations and industry working groups such as: CIGRE, IEEE, IET, or EEA are desirable.
While our Head Office in Wellington is the preferred location for this role and enables lots of contact with other power system professionals and business leaders, our Auckland or Christchurch locations maybe considered for suitably skilled and experienced senior engineers.
Join us at Transpower
Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. With over twenty-eight ethnicities, we celebrate our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and have deep and varied experience which they love to share.
We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week, which helps us build and maintain relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes, and sustain our culture. This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for both work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times.
We prioritise wellbeing with a great range of employee health and wellness benefits check them out here www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/careers-transpower/staff-benefits.
Next steps
To help to deliver accelerated electrification for Aotearoa, please review the position description via our careers site/below and apply without delay.
Role closes Monday 23rd March 2026, however applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you may be contacted to explore your application further or to arrange an interview. Reasonable accommodation is available to suit your personal circumstances.
While we are open to international applications, existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is advantageous.