Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - Relocation role to New Zealand Location: Christchurch preferred | Auckland / Wellington Sector: Power Transmission & Distribution | HV Substations | Electrical Infrastructure Our client is an established New Zealand engineering and electrical infrastructure organization providing specialist design, engineering, construction, testing and maintenance services to the power and utilities sector. The business supports major electricity network owners, infrastructure operators and renewable energy developers, delivering projects that strengthen the reliability, resilience and capacity of New Zealand's electrical networks. The Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Primary Engineer to provide technical leadership across high-voltage substation design projects. Key Responsibilities: * Lead primary electrical design for high-voltage substations, switchyards and associated transmission and distribution infrastructure. * Develop and review single-line diagrams, general arrangements, equipment layouts, electrical clearances and earthing designs. * Prepare and review technical specifications, design calculations, engineering drawings and equipment schedules. * Provide engineering input for transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, busbars and other primary plant equipment. * Coordinate primary engineering interfaces with protection and control, civil, structural and secondary systems teams. * Manage design deliverables, engineering resources, project schedules and technical quality. * Conduct design reviews, resolve engineering issues and provide technical support during procurement, construction and commissioning. * Liaise with clients, contractors, equipment suppliers and internal stakeholders. * Mentor junior engineers and promote consistent engineering standards and best practices. * Ensure engineering deliverables comply with applicable New Zealand, Australian and international standards. Requirements * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline. * Significant experience in HV substation primary design within power transmission or distribution. * Strong knowledge of substation equipment, electrical layouts, insulation coordination, clearances and earthing principles. * Experience delivering multidisciplinary engineering projects. * Familiarity with relevant AS/NZS and IEC engineering standards. * Ability to review technical designs and communicate effectively with clients and engineering teams. * Previous technical leadership, design coordination or design management experience is highly advantageous. * Chartered or professional engineering registration is advantageous. Why Consider This Opportunity? * Work on high-impact electricity infrastructure projects across New Zealand. * Progress into senior technical leadership or design management. * Join an established multidisciplinary power engineering business. * Competitive remuneration based on technical expertise and experience. * Opportunities for suitable international applicants considering relocation. Interested? Send me a direct message or share your CV for a confidential discussion at aryan.sharma@nesfircroft.com