Experienced Engineer - Power System Dynamics

Job Description

Transpower is New Zealand's National Grid Owner and System Operator. We take a whole-of-industry view of the electricity sector and operate the system on behalf of New Zealand. Our core purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand - a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable and secure electricity system.

The rapid energy transition, growth of grid-scale inverter-based renewable generation, and further electrification of industry and households are increasing reliance on advanced power electronics and reactive power control systems. Grid behaviour is becoming more dynamic, requiring new frameworks, models, and tools to support transmission system planning while maintaining a stable, reliable grid.

About the team

Transpower's Grid Development division identifies, plans for, and supports future grid needs over the next 30 years, ensuring our assets can enable planned or potential generation investment and significant growth in electricity demand.

Our future-focused Power System Dynamics team provides specialist engineering support and collaborates with teams across Transpower.

The team:

• Models and analyses power system behaviour to support the stable, long-term operation of the power system, including new grid control and monitoring technologies
• Develops frameworks, tools, models, and analysis for specialist power system studies, including power system stability, electromagnetic transients, and power quality
• Contributes to Grid Upgrade Plans for HVDC and dynamic reactive plant investment proposals
• Provide technical expertise across HVDC, reactive power control, power electronics, and control systems, supporting requirements, design, analysis, and project implementation.
• Develops and refines relevant policies, standards, and operating procedures
• Evaluates emerging grid technologies for use on the New Zealand power system

Tackle technically challenging modelling and analysis

Joining us, you'll deliver power system modelling and dynamic analysis that shapes the future direction of the Grid. You'll assess, model, and solve complex power system challenges to help ensure the system remains stable as New Zealand further electrifies.

Over the next 18 months and beyond, you'll investigate power quality issues, build and test dynamic models, and support the design and acceptance of the HVDC Control System Upgrade and dynamic reactive plant installations.

The Power System Dynamics team tackles Transpower's most technically demanding engineering modelling and analysis challenges. Your work will influence what we specify, procure, install, and commission on the electricity grid, with projects up to $500m. Involvement across all stages will broaden and deepen your perspective and experience.

What will you bring?

We recognise that great candidates may bring experience through different pathways. If you have power systems expertise and the experience below, we encourage you to apply.

• 4+ years' experience in dynamic modelling of power systems
• Experience with, or understanding of, FACTS/HVDC control systems engineering
• Python scripting
• Well-developed ability to communicate technical information verbally and in writing, including with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

While not essential, postgraduate study such as a master's or PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems would be advantageous.

Membership of professional affiliations or industry working groups such as CIGRE, IEEE, IET, or EEA is desirable, but not essential.

While our Head Office in Wellington is the preferred location for this role and enables regular contact with other power system professionals and business leaders, our Auckland or Christchurch locations may be considered for suitably skilled and experienced engineers.

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. With over thirty-one ethnicities represented across Transpower, we value the diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experience our people bring and share.

We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week, which helps us build and maintain relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes, and sustain our culture. This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for both work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times.

We prioritise wellbeing with a range of employee health and wellness benefits. You can find out more here: www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/careers-transpower/staff-benefits

Next steps

To help deliver accelerated electrification for Aotearoa, please review the position description via our careers site and apply without delay. If this opportunity interests you but your experience does not align with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Applications close Monday 7 September 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you may be contacted to explore your application further or arrange an interview. Reasonable accommodation is available to suit your personal circumstances.

While we are open to experienced international applicants, existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is advantageous.

Interested in knowing more, and seeing our Wellington head office? Watch a brief video here