Job Description

Aurora Energy: Asset Lifecycle Engineer - Zone Substations

Location: Dunedin, Central Otago, or Christchurch

There’s never been a better time to be in energy, and a better time to join Aurora Energy. We’re one of New Zealand’s largest electricity networks, delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity to over 200,000 residents across Ōtepoti Dunedin, Central Otago/Wānaka, and Tāhuna Queenstown. Our purpose? Enabling the energy future of our communities.

We’re seeking an Asset Lifecycle Engineer to join our Underground and Zone Substations team. This is a role where engineering expertise meets strategic impact, helping shape how critical substation assets are maintained, renewed, and managed across their full lifecycle.

About the role

You’ll provide engineering input into the maintenance, renewal, and long-term planning of substation asset fleets. Your work will guide decisions on what gets maintained, replaced, and when, using data, risk analysis, and engineering judgment to influence network performance for decades.

You’ll collaborate closely with network planning, operations, works delivery, strategy teams, external consultants, and suppliers, supporting assets including transformers, switchgear, cables, secondary systems, and overhead structures.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead development and improvement of maintenance and renewal plans for zone substation equipment

• Monitor asset health, performance, and reliability risk

• Support fleet strategies that optimise whole-of-life cost and performance

• Investigate failures and defects, including root cause analysis

• Contribute to Aurora’s Asset Management Plan and long-term investment planning

• Prioritise maintenance and renewal programmes using risk-based decision frameworks

• Support adoption of new technologies and innovative asset management approaches

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for engineers who combine technical depth with strategic thinking:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (minimum Level 7)

• 5–10 years’ experience with high-voltage assets related to substations, preferably in one or more of the following: design, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance

• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle management, reliability, and network engineering

• Strong understanding of high voltage assets, including knowledge of failure modes and control measures

• Experience analysing asset performance, risk, and maintenance strategies

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

• Self-starting, team-focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

Why Aurora?

• Influence long-term network investment decisions

• Work on complex, high-value infrastructure assets

• Join a team focused on continuous improvement and innovation

• Make a real impact on the reliability and safety of electricity supply for local communities

Benefits & lifestyle

• Relocation support, including travel and accommodation for second-round interviews (partners included)

• Generous salary + comprehensive wellbeing and benefits package, including extra KiwiSaver contributions

• Safety-first, innovative, and team-focused culture

• Lifestyle choice:

  • Dunedin: rugged coastline, historic charm

  • Cromwell: family-friendly living with excellent schools and outdoor lifestyle

  • Christchurch: city meets beaches and mountains, world-class outdoor adventures within an hour

Ready to join us?

If the thought of working in a great team, with strategic input and impact on the business and in your team resonates, then get in touch today.Please apply or call Stephanie on 021 202 2809 for more information.