Systems & Communications Engineer

About the role:
Reporting to the Control Systems Manager, this role is focused on executing and supporting capital (CAPEX) projects that strengthen and modernise our network infrastructure. A key part of the role will be helping to transition our communications network, ensuring it remains reliable, secure, and fit for the future.

You'll work as part of a collaborative and highly skilled Control Systems team, providing engineering support, delivering strategic projects, and ensuring all work aligns with Northpower's commitment to safety, quality, and innovation.

This role is ideal for someone with solid technical experience in communications networks who enjoys seeing projects through from design to delivery and wants to make a real contribution to the reliability of New Zealand's power network.

What you'll be doing

• Executing and supporting Strategic and CAPEX programmes focused on communications and control systems.
• Providing engineering expertise to strengthen and modernise our communications network.
• Developing design and maintenance standards, business cases, and strategies for Operational Technology environments (Voice - - Radio, Distribution, and Substation Communications).
• Configuring and maintaining communications and field automation equipment.
• Diagnosing and resolving communications system faults, coordinating service providers as needed.
• Contributing to continuous improvement and ensuring best practice asset management.
• Supporting operational planning for customer outages and helping resolve technical issues.
• Promoting and maintaining safe work practices at all times.

About you:

• A Washington accord accredited degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field).
• 3+ years' experience in Operational Technology or Communications Engineering.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in communications networks.
• Experience configuring and maintaining field automation and communications equipment.
• Understanding of electrical distribution networks and network communication systems.
• Networking experience, including CISCO switch configuration.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A proactive, can-do attitude and eagerness to learn.

Preferred:

• Experience with telecommunications systems (VHF, UHF, Microwave).
• Familiarity with RTU protocols such as Modbus and DNP3.
• Experience with RTU configuration tools (SCD 5200, SEL RTAC Axion).

What's in it for you?

• Competitive remuneration.
• An in-house well-being programme, a peer support network (Kaitiaki) and EAP services.
• Life Insurance and group discounted medical insurance.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.
• A friendly workplace where people are valued and appreciated.
• Family-friendly events and discounted gym membership along with various retail discounts.

About us:
Northpower is an electricity and fibre network provider for Whangārei and Kaipara, with more than 60,000 connected customers.

We are one of the largest multi-utility contractors in New Zealand, servicing the needs of clients in transmission, distribution, generation, fibre, renewables, and commercial sectors. We have a reputation for excellence and innovation, providing commercially viable solutions for electrical and telecommunication design, construction, and maintenance requirements.

We have over 1,400 staff working together across 16 locations to keep the power on and the lights going for our customers.

Get in touch
Bring your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and passion for communications technology, and we'll give you the tools, support, and opportunities to help you thrive and make a real impact.

Apply now via #REQ1755 and play a key role in shaping the future of Northpower's communications network.

New Zealand work rights are required for the role.

Pre-employment checks will include a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.