HVDC & Power Electronics - Engineering Manager

• Lead and manage a team of engineers from junior to principal level
• Bring your expertise in HVDC & Power Electronics systems and controls
• Ensure rapid fault investigation and recovery for the National Grid

Key leadership role, managing a team of 8 engineers, and nationwide HVDC and Power Electronics assets for the National Grid
Transpower owns and operates New Zealand's National Grid, the transmission network connecting generation areas with towns and cities across the country. The grid is linked by HVDC cables between our two main islands, with a large amount of renewable energy generated in the South and growing load requirements in the North.

Our core purpose is to empower the energy future of New Zealand, creating a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable, secure electricity system. To enable this future, our Grid Delivery division leads project and maintenance work across the transmission network in partnership with our contracted service providers.

About The Team
Our HVDC and Operational Engineering group are custodians of the grid asset service that delivers to our customers. The group works collaboratively to ensure safety, health, sustainability, and sound commercial practices are at the forefront of providing continuous transmission for New Zealand.

The HVDC & Power Electronics team is accountable for the operational performance and reliability of the Interisland HVDC Link, Static Var Compensators (SVCs), Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), Synchronous Condensers, Reactive Power Controllers, and related control systems.

The team delivers services to ensure these assets perform and meet Stakeholder needs, including:

• Developing and managing operational and maintenance strategies, including real-time fault response and root cause analysis
• Delivering projects including technical management, development and/or review of technical designs, and on-site build and commissioning support
• Developing and implementing control system software and secondary system designs to optimise performance and meet stakeholder needs
• Managing the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) facility at our Head Office, Waikoukou, including the replica HVDC controls

About the opportunity – due to lateral promotion
Lead a team of 8 specialist engineers based primarily in Wellington (at our Haywards substation), responsible for the operational performance, maintenance strategies, project engineering and technical outcomes of New Zealand's HVDC and Power Electronics assets.

The team plays a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of these assets, which provide mission-critical services such as bulk power transfer, frequency keeping, reserve sharing, and voltage support.

Working closely with the Service Performance Manager – HVDC & Power Electronics and other key internal and external stakeholders, this pivotal leadership role balances technical excellence with people leadership, continuous improvement, and strategic oversight of assets vital to both the National Grid, and the reliable, cost-effective electricity supply for New Zealanders.

You will also be involved in supporting exciting upgrades to our HVDC link – read more about those here

What will you bring?
Outstanding technical and people leadership skills, underpinned by a relevant tertiary engineering qualification and strong systems thinking. You will have managed engineering projects and be inclusive and decisive, capable of leading technical specialists through real-time operational challenges and high-stakes decision-making.

To be considered, your CV and cover letter will clearly demonstrate:

• Leadership experience including team and individual capability development, driving continuous improvement, and coaching technical specialists.
• Extensive experience with HVDC and Power Electronics systems and in-depth understanding of the criticality of these assets for service delivery.
• Exposure to, or in-depth experience of, site risks, safety, quality assurance, reliability management, and commercial/service provider relationship management.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication and relationship management skills, including advocacy and influencing at all levels to achieve results.
• Continuous improvement of service delivery performance, including safety, quality, risk mitigation, and commercial outcomes. Sound knowledge of asset management principles underpins your practice.
• A full, clean New Zealand Driver's Licence and willingness to travel.

CPEng or an international equivalent, while not essential, is desirable.

Join us at Transpower
Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep experience which they love to share.

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

We prioritise employee wellbeing with a range of employee benefits including insurances - check them out here: Staff benefits | Transpower

Next steps
To apply for this unique leadership role based at our Haywards Substation, please review the position description above and submit your application along with a cover letter outlining your interest without delay.

Role closes Sunday November 16th;
however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you may be contacted before the close date for an initial informal conversation or to arrange an interview.

A start date can be negotiated to suit your personal circumstances in 2026.

Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is preferred.