Principal Secondary Engineer

About the role

Jacobs works on complex challenges that shape safer cities, stronger infrastructure, more resilient environments, critical operations, scientific progress, and advanced manufacturing. The company is hiring an experienced Principal, Lead, or Senior Secondary Engineer in New Zealand to support utilities, developers and independent power producers, industrial sites, and government clients as they modernize power systems and strengthen energy infrastructure.

This opportunity suits someone seeking career growth, a fresh challenge, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to major projects.

What you will do

• Prepare and review secondary system designs for transmission and distribution networks from 22kV to 220kV.
• Produce key secondary engineering outputs such as control and relay panel layouts, schematics, ODJB documentation, drawings, block diagrams, and bills of materials.
• Take the lead on multidisciplinary projects and help ensure schedules and budgets are met.
• Coach and support engineers to strengthen the substation engineering team’s capability.
• Work directly with clients as a reliable technical partner and help contribute to business growth across different regions.

What you need

• Demonstrated background in high-voltage secondary electrical engineering.
• Hands-on experience with relay tools such as Enervista, PCM600, and Digsi.
• Working knowledge of CAD platforms including MicroStation and AutoCAD.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across multiple geographies.
• A habit of keeping up with new industry practices and technical advances.
• Current CPEng and CMEngNZ registration.

Work style and culture

Jacobs emphasizes safety, flexibility, inclusion, and belonging. The company supports hybrid working so employees can split time between offices/projects and remote locations. Employees also have access to wellbeing support, flexible working arrangements, and volunteering and giving programs.

Benefits

The benefits package includes paid parental leave, lifetime financial support for family-forming fertility and IVF treatment, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and support related to menopause and Low T treatment. The company also offers wellbeing resources covering physical, emotional, and financial health.

Additional information

Māori and Pasifika candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs is committed to cultural safety during interviews, and candidates from these communities may nominate a whānau member, family member, or cultural representative to join the interview panel by advising the recruiter.

If you need support or reasonable adjustments during recruitment, including the application form in another format, you can contact the careers support team.

The company also highlights recognition for gender-equality leadership and workplace equality status.