The company
Passionate, curious, and innovative are a few words that describe our people. We are powering the future, connecting communities, and igniting innovation. Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. As the third largest electricity distribution network in New Zealand, we cover remote rural areas, regional towns, and the city of Christchurch.
We are an essential service and take our responsibilities seriously. We are community owned and working here means a career with meaning and purpose that makes a difference in your very own neighbourhood.
The role
The way electricity networks are used is changing, our customer expectations are evolving, technology is advancing and the decisions we make today will influence how our network performs for decades to come.
We're looking for a Network Planning Engineer to join our team and help us answer some important questions. Where is our network under pressure? What will our customers need in the future? Which investments deliver the greatest value? And how do we ensure we're doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right value?
This role sits at the heart of those decisions.
You'll use data, forecasting, modelling and engineering judgement to identify current and emerging risks and opportunities, develop future network plans and assess both traditional and innovative solutions. From network upgrades and reinforcement through to new technologies and non-network alternatives. You'll help develop recommendations that support safe, reliable, and resilient network outcomes while delivering long-term value for our customers and community.
Develop short and medium-term plans that support the future needs of our network and communities
Identify emerging constraints and understand where critical investment is needed
Explore and assess both traditional and non-traditional solutions to network challenges
Evaluate new technologies and opportunities that could improve network performance and customer outcomes
Prepare business cases and recommendations that support smart investment decisions
Work closely with teams across the business, customers, industry partners and stakeholders to build understanding and influence outcomes
About you
A Level 7 Electrical Engineering qualification, or equivalent experience, along with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement to complex network planning challenges
Experience within electricity distribution, transmission, asset management, or a similar infrastructure environment
Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data, trends, forecasts, and network performance information
An interest in emerging technologies and innovative approaches to solving network challenges
The confidence to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
A collaborative mindset, with a willingness to share ideas, challenge constructively, and contribute to better decisions
Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine desire to learn, grow, and help shape the future of our network
What they offer
You'll find at Orion, you can come as you are and just be you. You will be joining a workplace that values who you are, the work you do, and the way you think.
Importantly, we offer:
Flexible working arrangements, and flexible locations with our Head office in Burnside and satellite offices in Rolleston and Ferrymead
Three days of “My Days” leave
A broad range of workplace benefits from a wellbeing allowance to access to our holiday house in Hanmer!
You might be surprised to find out that the company that brings the power to your home is innovative, inclusive, progressive, and quite good fun.