Senior Network Planning Engineer

MainPower New Zealand Limited; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive energy provider is seeking a Senior Network Planning Engineer to lead the development of innovative network strategies in Canterbury. This role requires significant experience in network planning within the electricity industry. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, technical analysis, and stakeholder engagement skills. The company offers a supportive culture, competitive perks, and commitment to professional development. Join a team dedicated to driving positive change in energy solutions.

Benefits

Nine-Day Fortnight Option

Subsidised Health Insurance

Subsidised Gym Membership

Professional Development

Recognition Programmes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the electricity industry.
• Experience in network planning and development.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of innovative network strategies.
• Ensure network reliability and resilience.
• Integrate emerging technologies into network planning.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Technical analysis and modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Customer focus

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Category: Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Engineering)

Are you ready to help shape the future of North Canterbury’s energy landscape? Join MainPower as a Senior Network Planning Engineer and play a pivotal role in transforming our network for tomorrow’s challenges. In this strategic and collaborative position, you’ll lead the development of innovative network strategies and plans, champion emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that enhance reliability, resilience, and customer value. If you’re passionate about engineering, thrive on complex problem-solving, and want to make a real impact in a supportive, forward-thinking team, this is your opportunity to lead change and power a sustainable future.

About the role:

The main purpose of the Senior Network Planning Engineer position is to provide strategic and technical leadership in developing and implementing both short-term and long-term network strategies for MainPower. This role focuses on preparing the company for New Zealand’s evolving energy environment, supporting the transition to net-zero by 2050. The position involves creating innovative network development plans, ensuring network reliability and resilience, integrating emerging technologies, and aligning with customer and industry needs to deliver safe, efficient, and future-ready energy solutions.

Key Skills and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership in network planning and development.
• Develop and implement innovative network strategies and plans using traditional and flexible solutions.
• Analyse and model network systems, including load flow, capacity and voltage optimisation.
• Integrate emerging technologies such as distributed energy resources and electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Engage and collaborate with internal teams, customers, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong customer and community focus.

About you:

We’re looking for an experienced electrical engineer with a strong background in network planning and development, ideally with at least 10 years’ experience in the electricity industry. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, skilled in technical analysis and modelling, and passionate about driving innovation and continuous improvement. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to safety and professionalism are essential.

MainPower requires all successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test.

To apply for this position, you must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

What’s in it for you:

We value and support all our employees by offering a ‘family feel’ culture and community focused environment. We work in a purpose-built modern office and offer our staff free parking on site. In addition to our wellbeing programmes our teams can access:

• Nine-Day Fortnight Option
• Subsidised Health Insurance
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Professional Development
• Recognition Programmes

Why work for us:

Our people are critical in ensuring that we deliver on our vision. At MainPower, we deliver value by providing a safe, secure, and reliable electricity distribution network for our local community. We are committed to developing a strong workplace culture where people are supported, empowered, and provided the tools required to deliver in their roles. Our values reflect how we interact with each other, our community, and our customers.

How to apply:

We assess applications as they are received so click” Apply” to submit your application today.

Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways—not just candidates who check all the boxes. Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how you believe you can contribute to our team.

MainPower welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing opportunities for all our people.