The Opportunity

ElectroNet Consulting is looking for an experienced Principal Protection Engineer to play a leading role in the delivery and evolution of our transmission and secondary systems capability.

This is a senior technical and commercial leadership role for someone who wants more than just project execution. You’ll influence protection philosophy, lead complex transmission work, mentor emerging engineers, and work directly with clients to shape solutions that matter.

If you’re currently looking for greater technical ownership, closer client engagement, and real influence over outcomes, this role offers a genuine step change.

About the Role

As a Principal Protection Engineer, you’ll provide end‑to‑end leadership across protection and secondary systems projects — from early concept and feasibility through to detailed design, delivery, and implementation support.

You’ll operate as a trusted technical authority within ElectroNet and with our clients, while also contributing to strategic service development, business growth, and team capability uplift.

What You’ll Be Doing

Technical & Project Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of protection and secondary systems for transmission and distribution networks, including complex projects.
• Apply deep specialist knowledge to develop robust, innovative, and practical engineering solutions, including feasibility studies and design optimisation.
• Provide authoritative technical input across protection philosophy, scheme selection, settings, and secondary design.

People & Capability Development

• Mentor and technically develop engineers across the ElectroNet group.
• Provide peer review, technical assurance, and guidance to maintain high engineering standards.
• Help shape the future capability and direction of our protection services.

Client & Commercial Leadership

• Act as a senior technical interface with clients, leading discussions on scope, technical requirements, risk, and deliverables.
• Scope, quote, plan, and manage projects to deliver high‑quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Manage project resources, budgets, and priorities with a strong focus on value and outcomes.

Strategic & Business Development

• Contribute to business development activities, including opportunity identification, tender preparation, and client engagement.
• Author and review high‑quality technical reports, design documentation, and strategic papers.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in protection and secondary systems engineering within transmission or distribution networks.
• Transpower protection experience is highly recommended.
• Strong project management skills, with experience in planning, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead and inspire a technical team.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• A deep understanding of the New Zealand power system environment (or similar).
• Relevant tertiary qualification(s) in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Chartered or Professional Engineer status (or working towards).

What’s in it for you:

As a member of our team, you will be part of a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth. We offer a range of benefits including:

• ElectroNet Plus: Our long service recognition programme (rewards starting at 2 years)
• ElectroNet Coach: Our in-house mentoring programme, focused on mentorship and leadership development
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks of primary carer leave top-up payments (to 80% of salary), including employer contributions to KiwiSaver during this period, and annual leave paid at full value for eligible primary carers. Partners and spouses are also supported with two weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Flexible Work: Flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance.
• Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits including a personal option wellbeing allowance (POWA), 24/7 confidential EAP support, fresh fruit and free flu vaccinations
• Insurance: Life and critical illness insurance cover.
• Discounts: Access to a range of discounts, including fuel, and health insurance.
• Workride: NZ ride to work benefit scheme
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Celebrations: Celebration of special occasions, social club and team events

At ElectroNet, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is equitable, inclusive, and supportive of all employees. We welcome and celebrate differences in age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and ability, and believe that these differences make us stronger as a team.

About Us:

The ElectroNet Group is proudly 100% New Zealand owned and community focused.

Our multidisciplinary capability spans electricity infrastructure ownership and operation, construction and maintenance, engineering consultancy, and technology development. This end‑to‑end capability allows us to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative, future‑ready solutions for our clients.

ElectroNet Consulting delivers market‑leading electrical design and advisory services across Australasia. Our purpose is to provide sustainable electrical solutions that enhance communities, guided by values we live every day:
We look after each other. We work smarter. We do the right thing. Together, we achieve great things.

Visit us at www.electronetgroup.com/consulting to find out more.

Next steps:

Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of sustainable energy.

For more information, and for a copy of the position description, please get in touch with the People Team at [email protected]

We are happy to accommodate your personal circumstances with respect to a start date.