Design Engineer

About the Role

Northpower is seeking a Design Engineer to join their Customer Projects team. This position involves delivering design, planning, pricing, and tendering services for various electricity distribution projects. The goal is to produce practical, cost-effective designs that satisfy customer, regulatory, and safety standards. You will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Operations Teams, clients, contractors, consultants, and local authorities, managing projects from initial concept through to construction and ensuring all designs comply and are ready for execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electricity distribution systems.
• Develop pricing estimates, tenders, and prepare contractual documents.
• Create CAD construction drawings and final as-built documentation.
• Plan project delivery schedules and assist with project handovers.
• Support customer-driven works such as network upgrades, asset relocations, and new subdivisions.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders including customers, contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Ensure all designs meet customer, regulatory, quality, and safety criteria.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for process and operational improvements.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, client-oriented engineer who is passionate about problem-solving and fostering strong working relationships. Whether you have direct experience as a Design Engineer or relevant exposure in a related discipline, your enthusiasm for seeing projects through from design to completion is essential.

• Possess a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Electrical Diploma, or equivalent practical industry background.
• Hold a full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Have exposure or experience with electricity distribution networks and infrastructure.
• Understand overhead and underground network design principles.
• Prepare estimates, pricing, tenders, and project documentation confidently.
• Proficient in CAD software to produce detailed technical drawings.
• Exhibit excellent planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Commit strongly to health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Adopt a customer-first mindset and team collaboration approach.
• Experience with substations, transformers, network reinforcements, asset relocations, subdivisions, or utility infrastructure projects is advantageous.
• Exhibit pride in high-quality execution, relationship-building, and contributing to essential community infrastructure.

Benefits and Culture

Join a stable, future-oriented sector contributing significantly across Aotearoa. At Northpower, you contribute meaningful work that powers communities and grow your career within a caring environment.

• A supportive people-centric culture focused on safety, inclusivity, and well-being through Employee Assistance Programs and peer networks.
• Competitive and fair remuneration package including full private use of a company vehicle.
• Flexible benefits such as additional leave options and enhanced employer KiwiSaver contributions.
• Life insurance and health promotion programs.
• Discounted group medical insurance and fitness initiatives.
• Fuel discounts and various retail offers.
• Continuous learning and development with clear career growth pathways.
• A welcoming, family-friendly workplace that values individuality and encourages inclusivity.

About Northpower

Northpower is a well-established organisation managing electricity and fibre networks throughout Whangārei and Kaipara, servicing over 60,000 customers. Their scope includes multi-utility contracting, renewables, transmission, and energy services with more than 1,400 staff across 16 locations, impacting communities nationwide.

Additional Information

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. Recruitment includes background criminal checks, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical examination. Northpower values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

This role is onsite in Auckland, New Zealand.