Protection Design Engineer - relocate to New Zealand (Visa Sponsorship Available)

• Secondary Systems Engineer
• Substation Design Engineer
• Lead Engineer

These roles involve delivering innovative and technically challenging projects across transmission, distribution, renewable energy, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.

Depending on your experience, you’ll contribute to or lead:

• HV and EHV substation design
• Protection and control system design
• Protection studies and relay settings
• Primary plant design and equipment specification
• Secondary systems and SCADA integration
• Earthing and lightning protection studies
• Cable and network studies
• Project leadership and client engagement
• Design assurance and technical reviews
• Multi-disciplinary project delivery

Two Unique Consultancy Environments

Option 1: Build Something New

Join a globally backed consultancy that is establishing and expanding its energy engineering capability in New Zealand.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a business from the ground up while enjoying the support, resources, and technical expertise of an established international organisation.

You’ll have genuine influence over technical standards, team growth, client relationships, and future capability development.

Option 2: Modern, High-Growth Consultancy

Join one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing engineering consultancies, known for its collaborative culture, flexible approach, and energetic team environment.

You’ll work alongside ambitious professionals delivering impactful projects while enjoying a workplace that prioritises innovation, wellbeing, and professional growth.

We’re interested in speaking with engineers who can bring strong technical capability and consulting experience to these growing teams., * A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering

• A Washington Accord recognised Level 8 or Level 9 qualification
• 5+ years of experience in power systems, protection, substation, primary or secondary design
• Experience working within engineering consultancies, utilities, EPCs, network operators, or owners’ engineer environments
• Strong understanding of transmission and/or distribution networks
• Knowledge of protection philosophies, relay settings, and control schemes (for protection-focused roles)
• Experience with HV substation design and associated standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A passion for delivering high-quality engineering outcomes

Lead-level candidates will ideally possess:

• Project leadership experience
• Client relationship management capability
• Mentoring and team development experience
• Commercial awareness and proposal development skills

Pulled from the full job description

• Relocation assistance
• Visa sponsorship, * Meaningful Career Growth
• Join organisations investing heavily in the future of their power and energy businesses.
• Diverse Project Pipeline
• Work across transmission, distribution, renewables, battery storage, and critical infrastructure projects.
• Leadership Opportunities
• Influence technical direction, mentor engineers, and help shape growing teams.

Flexible Location Options

Choose from several major New Zealand cities depending on your lifestyle preferences.

World-Class Lifestyle

Enjoy an exceptional work-life balance, access to world-renowned outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

Competitive Remuneration

• Senior Engineers: typically NZD $150,000-$200,000
• Lead Engineers: typically NZD $200,000-$260,000+

Plus relocation assistance, visa sponsorship, and additional benefits depending on experience.

Interested?

Whether you’re an experienced Protection Engineer looking to deepen your technical expertise or a Lead Substation Engineer ready to help build something special, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to explore confidential opportunities with two of New Zealand’s most exciting energy engineering employers, or reach out alice@paragonrecruit.com

Pay: $78,365.87 - $180,376.10 per year

Application Question(s):

• This role is based in New Zealand. Normal Visa Sponsorship timelines are 3 months from time off offer to starting onsite in NZ. Would 3-4months relocation align for you?
• What role are you most interested in? protection design engineer, primary design or secondary systems design engineer? or lead?