Power Systems Technician - Relocation role to New Zealand
About the company
We are representing an established New Zealand electrical engineering and infrastructure services organisation specialising in the construction, testing, commissioning and maintenance of critical electrical power systems.
Your tasks
Our client is seeking experienced Power Systems Technicians to join its electrical contracting and field services operations across New Zealand.
The successful candidate will work on a variety of electrical infrastructure assets, including transmission and distribution substations, renewable energy facilities, industrial electrical installations and associated power systems.
The role involves hands-on technical activities, equipment testing, troubleshooting, commissioning and site-based electrical works. Candidates should be comfortable travelling between project locations and working away from their home base when required.
Electrical Testing and Commissioning
- Undertake electrical testing, inspection and commissioning activities on power systems and associated electrical infrastructure.
- Perform pre-commissioning checks, functional testing and verification of electrical equipment in accordance with approved procedures and project requirements.
- Support the testing and commissioning of high-voltage and low-voltage electrical installations.
- Conduct electrical measurements, inspections and diagnostic testing to assess equipment condition and operational readiness.
- Assist with electrical equipment energisation and commissioning activities under applicable site safety and authorisation procedures.
- Interpret electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, wiring schematics and technical documentation.
- Identify testing abnormalities, investigate equipment faults and support appropriate corrective actions.
- Prepare accurate testing records, commissioning checklists and technical documentation.
Power Systems Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Carry out planned and corrective electrical maintenance activities on power network assets and industrial electrical installations.
- Diagnose electrical faults and assist with equipment troubleshooting and rectification.
- Inspect electrical equipment and identify defects, deterioration or abnormal operating conditions.
- Support maintenance and testing activities involving substations, electrical distribution equipment and associated control systems.
- Participate in electrical system inspections and preventive maintenance programmes.
- Ensure completed works meet relevant technical, operational and quality requirements.
- Communicate equipment issues, maintenance findings and technical recommendations to supervisors and engineering teams.
Substation and Electrical Infrastructure Works
- Support site-based electrical works on transmission and distribution infrastructure.
- Assist with the installation, inspection, testing and commissioning of electrical equipment within substations and associated facilities.
- Work alongside electrical engineers, commissioning specialists, field technicians and project teams.
- Follow approved electrical procedures, equipment manuals and project-specific technical requirements.
- Support electrical infrastructure projects involving renewable energy facilities, including wind and solar generation assets.
- Participate in electrical network upgrade, maintenance and commissioning activities as required.
Site Operations and Safety Compliance
- Undertake field assignments across New Zealand, including work at remote or regional project locations.
- Follow electrical safety requirements, permit-to-work procedures and applicable isolation and lockout/tagout processes.
- Participate in toolbox meetings, site safety briefings and task risk assessments.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment and approved electrical testing instruments.
- Maintain safe working practices around energised equipment and high-voltage installations.
- Ensure electrical work is undertaken within the limits of applicable professional registration, authorisations and competency.
- Maintain accurate work records, test results, maintenance reports and project documentation.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, supervisors and other site personnel to deliver safe and high-quality outcomes.
Project and Technical Exposure Depending on the assigned team and project requirements, successful candidates may work on:
- High-voltage transmission and distribution substations.
- Electrical network infrastructure and utility assets.
- Wind farm and solar farm electrical infrastructure.
- Industrial electrical installations and power distribution systems.
- Electrical equipment testing and commissioning programmes.
- Power network maintenance, upgrades and equipment replacement projects.
- Regional electrical infrastructure developments across New Zealand.
Requirements
This is an excellent opportunity for technically capable electrical professionals with experience in high-voltage substations, electrical testing and commissioning, industrial electrical systems or power network infrastructure.
Singapore-based electrical technicians who meet the relevant qualification and registration requirements and are interested in relocating to New Zealand are encouraged to apply.
Technical Qualifications and Registration
- Recognised electrical trade qualification, technician qualification or equivalent relevant electrical training.
- Must currently hold New Zealand registration as an Electrician or be eligible to apply for registration through the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
- Candidates qualified outside New Zealand must be willing to undertake the applicable registration assessment and fulfil any additional requirements imposed by the relevant authority.
Relevant Industry Experience
- Practical experience in the power systems sector, electrical testing and commissioning, industrial electrical work or electrical infrastructure maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on electrical technical work.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical equipment and identifying electrical faults.
- Ability to interpret electrical drawings, technical manuals and equipment documentation.
- Sound understanding of electrical safety practices and safe working procedures.
- Ability to work independently when appropriately authorised and as part of a multidisciplinary field team.
- Willingness to travel to project sites throughout New Zealand and work away from home when required.
- Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safe work practices, technical quality and continuous professional development.
Preferred Technical Experience The following experience would be advantageous but is not mandatory for every applicant:
High-Voltage Substations
- Exposure to high-voltage or medium-voltage transmission and distribution substations.
- Experience working with power transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators and associated electrical equipment.
- Familiarity with AIS or GIS substation installations.
- Experience supporting electrical equipment testing, inspection and commissioning activities.
Electrical Testing and Commissioning
- Experience performing insulation resistance, continuity, earth resistance or other relevant electrical tests.
- Familiarity with electrical test instruments and diagnostic equipment.
- Experience with primary or secondary injection testing.
- Exposure to protection relay testing, control circuits or electrical interlocking verification.
- Familiarity with commissioning documentation, test reports and equipment inspection records.
Power Infrastructure and Renewable Energy
- Experience working with electricity utilities, electrical contractors, industrial facilities or power generation assets.
- Exposure to wind farms, solar farms or other renewable energy infrastructure.
- Experience in electrical maintenance, power network upgrades or field service activities.
- Familiarity with relevant electrical safety and industry standards.
What we offer
Overtime: 1.5 times the applicable hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week
Relocation: International relocation assistance may be provided, subject to individual assessment
Salary, Overtime and Allowances Our client offers a competitive hourly remuneration package reflecting the technical requirements of the position.
Overtime
- Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the applicable hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.
- Actual overtime opportunities will depend on operational and project requirements.
Additional Allowances
- Away-work allowances may apply when travelling or working away from the normal home base.
- Meal allowances and other applicable field-related allowances may be provided in accordance with company policy.
Actual annual earnings may exceed the standard base salary depending on overtime hours worked and applicable allowances.
International Relocation Assistance Our client is open to considering suitably qualified international candidates interested in relocating to New Zealand.
Relocation assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis and can include:
- Flights for the successful candidate and eligible immediate family members.
- Assistance with household belongings and relocation-related transport.
- Temporary accommodation during the initial relocation period.
- Home-search and settling-in support.
- Storage and other agreed relocation expenses.
- Support towards eligible work visa application costs for the candidate and family members.
- A contribution towards eligible residence visa application costs, where applicable.
All relocation expenses must be mutually agreed before they are incurred.
Relocation Agreement Relocation assistance is subject to a two-year repayment agreement. If employment ends within the first 24 months, relocation and resettlement costs paid by the employer may be repayable on a pro-rata basis.
Health and Wellbeing
- Annual personal wellbeing allowance for eligible fitness, health and lifestyle expenses.
- Access to discounted medical insurance.
- Life and critical illness insurance for eligible permanent employees.
- Confidential employee assistance and counselling services.
- Workplace wellbeing initiatives and team activities.
- Flu vaccinations for employees and eligible partners.
- Access to selected employee discounts, including fuel and electronic equipment.
Family and Parental Support
- Eligible primary caregivers may receive parental leave payment top-ups to 80% of regular income for up to 26 weeks.
- Eligible secondary caregivers may receive two weeks of paid parental leave.
- Additional family-related benefits may be available under company policy.
Career Development
- Structured mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Annual performance and development discussions.
- Opportunities to develop specialist expertise in electrical testing, commissioning and power infrastructure.
- Exposure to different electrical infrastructure projects and operational environments.
- Opportunities for internal learning, cross-functional experience and career advancement.
- Long-service recognition benefits commencing from the second year of service.
Workplace Culture
- Supportive, safety-focused and collaborative working environment.
- Employee social clubs, team-building activities and company events.
- Recognition of individual contributions and achievements.
- Inclusive workplace culture and employee wellbeing programmes.
All benefits are subject to applicable eligibility criteria and company policies.
How to apply
Applicants should provide an updated CV outlining their electrical qualifications, relevant testing and commissioning experience, power systems exposure and current professional registration status.
Applications will be assessed based on relevant technical experience, qualifications, electrical registration eligibility and suitability for the position.
Other
Power Systems Technician – HV Electrical Testing & Commissioning Location: New Zealand – Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Greymouth, Cromwell and other operational locations
*Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time Industry:** Power Transmission & Distribution / Electrical Utilities / Renewable Energy / Electrical Engineering
Any employment offer and relocation arrangements will be subject to applicable immigration, professional registration and employer requirements.
Additional Information This position requires regular site-based work and may involve travelling to regional project locations throughout New Zealand.
Candidates must be comfortable working away from home when required, with applicable allowances provided in accordance with company policy.
Flexible commencement dates may be considered to accommodate notice periods, professional registration requirements and international relocation arrangements.