Lead Substation Engineer

Lead Substation Engineer

Auckland or Wellington

At Mott MacDonald, we use our expertise to improve society. As a global, employee‑owned consultancy, we work across energy, transport, water and the built environment to deliver safe, resilient and sustainable outcomes for our clients and communities.

Our New Zealand Energy team continues to grow in response to major investment in transmission, distribution, renewables and grid resilience. We are seeking a Lead Substation Engineer to take technical ownership of substation projects and provide leadership across our Auckland‑based team.

Your role

As a Lead Substation Engineer, you will act as a technical authority and project lead for substation design work, guiding teams through complex engineering challenges while ensuring quality, safety and client outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the primary and / or secondary design of HV substations, including layout, equipment selection and interface management


• Acting as discipline lead on projects, with accountability for technical quality and delivery outcomes


• Leading design reviews, verification and assurance activities


• Coordinating closely with transmission, protection, civil, geotechnical and multidisciplinary teams


• Providing technical leadership to clients, contractors and delivery partners


• Supporting project planning, resourcing and programme delivery


• Contributing to bids, proposals and client pursuits in the energy sector


• Mentoring and developing engineers across the substation and wider electrical team

About you

You will bring:

• A degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent)


• Strong experience >10 years in substation design within a consultancy, utility or contractor environment


• Demonstrated capability leading technical teams and managing design delivery


• In‑depth understanding of HV substation equipment, layouts and interfaces


• Familiarity with New Zealand or international standards and utility requirements


• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders

Experience delivering projects for Transpower or distribution network owners would be highly regarded.

Why join Mott MacDonald

• Lead nationally significant substation and grid infrastructure projects


• Influence technical direction and capability growth within NZ


• Work within a collaborative, high‑calibre energy engineering team


• Flexible and hybrid working options


• A purpose‑driven culture built around Progress, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Excellence

If you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering career and want to work on projects that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.

Make a difference today. Shape tomorrow’s energy network with Mott MacDonald.

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.


• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.


• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.


• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience: 

•    A flexible and agile work atmosphere that caters to your professional journey and life's special moments
•    A competitive salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
•    Comprehensive coverage including life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance, providing peace of mind during uncertain times
•    Opportunities to enhance your work-life balance through the option to purchase extra annual leave
•    Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more

You've got this!
We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply!