Project Engineer

About the role

This is a hands-on Project Engineer role where you’ll lead the design and delivery of maintenance and capital projects across our electricity distribution network. You’ll take ownership of projects from scoping and detailed design through to construction and close-out.

The work is varied, technically interesting and has a direct impact on the safety and ongoing reliability of supply to our community.

You’ll work closely with a solid team of engineers, field crews and other teams across the business who take pride in doing good work, safely.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading detailed design and delivery of maintenance and capital projects in line with Network Waitaki standards and good industry practice.


• Managing project financials including cost estimates, budgets, accruals and forecasting.


• Running tender processes, evaluating responses and managing contracts and specialist providers.


• Coordinating with internal teams and contractors to deliver on time and on budget.


• Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards and design processes.

What you’ll bring

Qualifications

• Relevant trade, technical or tertiary qualification in electricity supply, engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Experience working within the New Zealand electricity distribution sector (ideally exposure to substation and protection/communications design), transmission, generation or a similar utility environment.


• Proven technical, electrical design and project management experience.


• Project financial management experience.


• Tendering and contract management experience.


• Sound understanding of the regulated electricity distribution sector, including the Electricity Act and Safety Manual Electricity Industry (SMEI)


• Experience with control room operations

Personal qualities

• A genuine commitment to safety and actively contributing to a strong safety culture.


• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across teams, contractors, and stakeholders.


• A calm, practical approach under pressure.

About Network Waitaki

Based in the vibrant coastal town of Oamaru, our core business is bringing electricity from the national grid to over 13,500 connected customers in North Otago and parts of South Canterbury. Network Waitaki provides innovative energy solutions to our customers, as well as providing electrical construction and maintenance services across New Zealand.

We’re a team of over 100 people and our mission is to promote regional growth and wellbeing through the provision of innovative and sustainable energy solutions for our customers

What we offer

Compensation & benefits

• Competitive salary package.


• Company health insurance.


• Flexible working arrangements.


• Professional development opportunities.

Lifestyle & Culture

• Make genuine impact in a business that powers our local community.


• Enjoy the Waitaki lifestyle with stunning scenery, excellent schools and a welcoming community.


• Work in a values-driven, collaborative environment where safety and service come first.


• Be part of a diverse, inclusive workplace that celebrates different perspectives and backgrounds.

Further details

This is a full-time, permanent position.

View the full job description here or directly on our careers site.

Applications will close Friday, 17 July 2026.

Ready to apply?

Click quick apply or visit our website to take the next step in powering our community with Network Waitaki.

Please note, you will need to undertake pre-employment medical and Ministry of Justice checks, and you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

For any further questions or a confidential chat about the role, contact: [email protected]

Please note, will only consider applications submitted through our website or SEEK.