Asset Engineer - Underground Assets

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Powerco is hiring an Asset Engineer to own underground cable assets, shaping lifecycle strategies and renewal plans for New Zealand’s electricity distribution networks. Based in New Plymouth with Tauranga or Palmerston North options, you’ll become Powerco’s cables SME, overseeing asset models, risk, diagnostics and condition monitoring while engaging industry bodies. Ideal candidates hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, 5+ years in asset management or related roles, and strong knowledge of XLPE and PILC, CNAIM/CBRM, and data driven decision making. To apply, tailor your CV to renewal planning and measurable outcomes, show collaboration and relocation readiness, and highlight conference sharing. Applications close March 12, 2026. Powerco values an inclusive culture.

Asset Engineer - Underground Assets

📍 New Plymouth, Tauranga or Palmerston North

🕐 Permanent - Full-time

Do you have (or are you willing and able to develop) a rare electrical skillset and want to join a world where having heard of Weibull, the Taylor Series and probability is an advantage?

Do you know your XLPE from your PILC and possess an understanding of distribution assets as a whole?

Do you have will and the drive to become the Powerco subject matter expert for cables?

If the answer is yes, then this is your opportunity to help shape underground asset lifecycle strategies for one of New Zealand’s largest electricity distribution networks and become our ‘go to’ person for our cable assets.

This is an exciting time to join our team as your research into who we are will show you.

What you’ll be doing

With your knowledge of distribution assets you’ll play a key part in shaping underground asset lifecycle strategies, testing their relevance and putting them into practice through the Asset Management plan. Your analytical abilities will be employed to refine our asset models, ensuring network underground assets perform safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout their lifecycle. To this end you will oversee the investments for cables, transformers, and switchgear.

Ideally you will be New Plymouth based, although options for Tauranga and Palmerston north can be considered.

In this specialist role, you will:

• Support the development and ongoing improvement of Powerco’s renewal strategy and 10-year renewal investment plans for underground assets.
• Take ownership of assigned asset investments, ensuring they deliver the value and outcomes expected.
• Provide asset management oversight of project and maintenance delivery.
• Be (or become) the Powerco Subject Matter Expert in cables.
• Collaborate closely with other fleet specialists to ensure seamless asset management.
• Champion best-practice asset lifecycle management—risk modelling, diagnostics, condition monitoring - while staying connected with industry bodies such as EEA and CIGRE. (Opportunities to present and share knowledge with industry peers through conference papers)

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, understands how underground assets behave over time, and wants to keep improving how we manage them. You are self-motivated, thrive in a small high performing team and love steering through the challenges working collaboratively across many disciplines.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline, with relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years working in asset management, maintenance/construction, or engineering roles.
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution assets, failure modes, lifecycle management, and risk assessment.
• An appreciation of statistical analysis, survival/lifecycle curves.
• Experience using asset modelling and analytical tools (e.g., CNAIM, CBRM).
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A data-driven approach, able to make and express sound, informed decisions that balance performance, cost, and risk.
• A mindset centred around continuous improvement, efficiency, and delivering optimal asset performance.
• An understanding of the economics of value propositions, Type 59 Bugatti vs Corolla.

Why Powerco?

At Powerco, we don’t micromanage or prescribe your every move. Our tikanga is to work collaboratively, using the strengths of everyone in the team. In line with our Better Together value, we’ll shape and evolve this role with you so you feel proud to be here and proud of the contribution you make.

Apply now and help us keep the energy flowing!

Applications close: Thursday 12 March 2026

Our ability to get the best out of people is what sets Powerco apart. We realise that candidates – especially from underrepresented and neurodiverse backgrounds – often won’t apply for roles unless they meet ALL the criteria. We encourage anyone who shares our passion for connecting communities to apply for any role that aligns to your strengths and interests. We will provide a safe space where you can bring your whole self to work and thrive.  

If you would benefit from support or adjustments in order to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please phone 0800 769372 or email [email protected]