Principal Protection Engineer Transmission & Distribution

Location Auckland, All NZ Regions, New Zealand Capabilities Electrical Office Setup Hybrid Job ID #39535
Market Energy At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact Jacobs' Energy and Power business is at the forefront of the energy transition in the Asia Pacific region. As we experience significant growth and collaborate with diverse clients, we're seeking a Principal Protection Engineer to join our team and drive innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future. At Jacobs, we are proud to offer:

• Flexible work arrangements in Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington
• Full time or part time options
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects shaping New Zealand's energy future
• Collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package (health insurance, salary continuation insurance, discounted shares, up to 4 weeks additional purchased leave schemes available and our "work from anywhere policy" enabling you to work for short periods in another country/location)

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on New Zealand's energy landscape and beyond. We welcome applications from forward thinking professionals passionate about the energy transition, including suitably qualified overseas candidates (please detail in your cover letter your visa situation or requirements). Key Areas of Focus:

• Manage the technical direction of Protection and Control engineering teams in delivering complex projects from concept to detailed design and construction support.
• Oversee the design, review, and implementation of protection and control schemes for Transmission and Distribution applications in New Zealand.
• Develop sophisticated protection setting calculations for various relay configurations and schemes.
• Conduct advanced power system modelling and simulation using industry standard software.
• Perform comprehensive relay coordination studies and short circuit analyses.
• Apply expert knowledge of secondary systems circuitry design and High Voltage power system protection schemes and principles.
• Foster client relationships and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Mentor and support the development of team members in alliance with the Section Lead and Team Lead, enhancing Jacobs' capabilities in Protection engineering.

Here's what you'll need

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience in Protection engineering for Transmission and Distribution systems.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects and leading engineering teams.
• In depth knowledge of New Zealand's power system and regulatory environment (for local candidates) or demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new regulatory frameworks (for overseas candidates).
• Proficiency in industry standard power system analysis and protection software.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication and technical leadership abilities. #LI-SK2 #APMEEPJOBS #ANZEPJOBS

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption, and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Cultural Support: Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you'll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.


We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.