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
Orion's Power Systems team is looking for an enthusiastic engineer to join the cause and apply an innovative, dynamic, and creative approach to solving problems.
The core objective of the Power Systems team is to provide insights and supported analysis so our business and customers can make informed decisions regarding using our network. As a Power Systems Engineer, you will support this by creating and running power systems models, including network studies, scenario analysis and process automation.
You will also be a contributor to the implementation of analytic tools to utilise the vast amounts of data we have at our fingertips. In this role, you will be collaborating with team across the business as well as interacting with regulators, government agencies, suppliers and other EDB's to ensure we are supporting the long-term operation of the power system.
Creating, updating and maintaining power flow models
Power system dynamic modelling and engineering to support the stable long-term operation of the power system as a whole, including new control and monitoring technologies
Analysing the network to identify power quality issues, monitor activity and loss optimisation and potential system security exceptions
Assessing the impact of proposed connections of load or generation on network security, quality and reliability across multiple scenarios
Contribute to optimising and improving modelling processes
Contribute to integrating DER into our network
About you
A level 7 electrical engineering qualification or equivalent experience
A good understanding of power system modelling and spatial / temporal analysis (including transients and power quality) in either transmission or distribution network context.
A minimum of three years' experience power system simulation computer programmes (such as PSS Sincal) and/or real time simulation technologies
Excellent communication skills with an ability to convey complex engineering information in a range of simplified forms which supports understanding to a variety of audiences
Understanding of the NZ regulatory environment at it applies to the electricity industry would be an advantage and specifically the Electricity Industry Participation Code
Experience with generator connection studies
Good knowledge of databases and automation/scripting using Python or other tools where strong research skills are beneficial
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!