Transpower owns and operates New Zealand's National Grid, a critical lifeline utility.
Essential to powering our country, the HVDC link unifies the grid between the North and South Islands and has an ever-increasing role in balancing intermittent renewable generation between the Islands. See the impact of HVDC transfer here: https://www.transpower.co.nz/system-operator/live-system-and-market-data/hvdc-transfer
About the team
Grid Delivery is the Transpower division accountable for the delivery of all work across New Zealand's transmission network. This includes increasing project and maintenance work, delivered in conjunction with our service provider organisations. Transpower currently delivers approximately $400M capex and $100M in opex per annum.
The HVDC & Power Electronics team supports Grid Delivery by providing operational and maintenance support of Transpower's HVDC & Power Electronics assets. This includes supporting projects associated with these assets and future planning that will ensure asset efficiency. Read more about the teams collaborative mahi here: https://www.energyawards.co.nz/article/awards-finalist-transpower-%E2%80%93-hvdc-pole-2-life-extension-programme
About the opportunity
Based in Ōtara, Auckland or Wellington for Senior Engineers, and in Wellington for Engineer-level candidates who will be supported in their learning, you'll work with our specialists to provide expertise and guidance in simulations using the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and HVDC & Power Electronics control and protection systems.
Interesting and thought-provoking challenges await, including developing an operational understanding of the HVDC control system code and the HVDC simulator in Wellington. 'Business as usual' includes:
- Stewardship of the HVDC Simulator including operation and maintenance
- Performing power system analysis tasks to inform any required code changes
- Leading control system code changes including implementation at site
- Fault response and major fault investigations (once trained you will be rostered onto our call-out scheme where you will provide 24/7 technical support for ~ one week each month)
- Exciting future projects include: https://www.transpower.co.nz/hvdc-upgrade
Utilising your customer-centric approach and well-developed relationship management skills, you'll work closely with your immediate team, as well as colleagues in Grid Development, Operations (The System Operator), and our external consultants and contractors.
Your broad understanding of HVDC & Power Electronics, and the technology involved, will allow you to drive clarity and tailor your communication to a variety of audiences.
The opportunity to work in detail on an HVDC system is rare, with only a small number of schemes operating worldwide. Our HVDC system connects two separate AC grids, enabling reserve sharing, frequency keeping, and power transfer.
Your CV, cover letter and previous experience will clearly communicate:
- A relevant tertiary engineering qualification
- Working knowledge of HVDC & Power Electronics control systems and protection
- Experience with RTDS hardware and software (RSCAD) and familiarity with the use of Power System Analysis packages/tools including PSCAD and Power Factory
- Astute communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to explain Power System concepts to wider audiences
- A full New Zealand Driver Licence (as you will spend time on site)
To be considered "Senior" in the Transpower context - you'll bring relevant work experience, a demonstrated ability to coach and mentor, and hold Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or an international equivalent.
While not essential, please let us know if you have experience in any of the following:
- Familiarity with onsite work at substations such as assisting with outages, faults, and commissioning tasks
- Siemens TDC control system
- Hitachi Energy MACH control system
- Siemens SPPA-T3000 control system
- PLC systems including Siemens S7-300
Due to the highly technical nature of this role, please ensure your application is tailored so we can easily see your aligned experience!
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 and varied experience which they love to share and which we celebrate. 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 our people 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 check them out here www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/careers-transpower/staff-benefits
Next steps
To apply for the HVDC and Power Electronics Simulations Engineer/Senior Engineer role and contribute to upgrading New Zealand's most vital electricity connection, please review the position description and submit your application with a tailored CV and cover letter outlining your interest.
Role closes Monday 15th September.
Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is preferred.
