PLANNING ENGINEER

The Top Energy Group operates throughout the Far North delivering geothermal electricity generation and electricity network operations. Our purpose is to provide affordable and sustainable energy for Far North consumers, which we are achieving by transforming the Top Energy Group into a technology-enabled energy company that generates and facilitates two-way energy flow between renewable energy generators and consumers.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Planning Engineer to join our Network Planning and Design team, reporting to the Network Planning Manager and based at our Kerikeri office. In this role, you will contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient development of the Top Energy Network. You'll support all aspects of network planning, design, and governance to ensure our assets continue to meet performance, quality, and compliance standards.

This position offers the opportunity to influence the long‑term future of our electricity network and make a meaningful impact for communities across the Far North.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the preparation and ongoing refinement of the Network Development Plan.
• Analyse network security, reliability, and capacity, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support the development of network architecture, planning principles, and strategic design approaches.
• Perform detailed load flow and fault level analyses to determine operational constraints and support the development of protection scheme architecture.
• Undertake theoretical assessments and real measurements to assess supply quality, identifying and recommending remedial actions as required.
• Conduct investigations, surveys, and analysis to inform project planning, including network modelling for load flow and fault studies.
• Prepare and present cost-benefit studies, budget projections, reports, business cases, and planning documentation.
• Prepare, review, and update network standards to ensure ongoing compliance and industry alignment.
• Manage technical assessments and approvals for Distributed Generation (DG) applications, providing expert advice to customers.
• Coordinate customer driven network extensions and upgrades, including design verification, cost review, and technical evaluation.
• Assess proposed customer additions and extensions to ensure they meet network requirements and standards.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will have a bachelor's degree in engineering with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft office suite. You will have at least 5 years' experience in the Electricity supply industry with experience in Network Engineering Planning. It is essential that you hold a full, clean, current drivers licence. An added benefit would be experience in Network design, as well as SAP or other ERP experience with Membership of CPEng (NZ) or equivalent registration from overseas (or currently working towards registration).

Additional skills and attributes

• Hold yourself and others accountable for meeting high-quality outcomes.
• Deliver tasks and projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Draw meaningful insights from data and technical analysis.
• Communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, gaining support from stakeholders

Why Join Us?

• $125,000 to $130,000 per annum plus benefits
• Minimum of 40hrs per week
• Relocation assistance, including short-term accommodation for candidates moving to the region
• The opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic and evolving industry
• A supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment

The Top Energy Group is committed to fostering a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. If you're looking to contribute to meaningful work in the beautiful Far North, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.

We operate under a Drug and Alcohol Workplace Policy. Prior to any offer of employment, shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol testing, as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.