Company Description
Contact Energy is a cornerstone of Aotearoa's energy landscape, weaving together a tapestry of renewable and sustainable power sources. From the geothermal wonders of Wairākei and Te Mihi to the mighty hydro facilities in Clyde and Roxburgh, we harness the natural forces of our whenua to generate electricity. The geothermal plants tap into the earth's heat, converting it into reliable power, while the hydro stations capture the energy of flowing water, ensuring that the lights stay on and the coffee machines keep brewing across the motu.
Our engineers are the unsung heroes in this journey towards a sustainable future. They are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the intricate systems that keep the power flowing. From designing and maintaining the geothermal plants to optimising the hydro stations, these skilled professionals ensure that every component operates at peak efficiency. Their expertise in energy conservation and system optimisation is crucial in achieving our ambitious goals. By working closely with project managers and other specialists, engineers help to innovate and implement cutting-edge technologies, driving the company towards its vision of a decarbonized Aotearoa.
This is an exciting time for us to welcome a Senior Engineer on a fixed term through to June 2027 to help us ensure we're getting the most out of our existing fleet of assets.
Job Description
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Imagine a role where your expertise not only shapes the future of energy but also contributes to a sustainable Aotearoa. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Contact, you'll be the technical wizard of our geothermal fleet, ensuring the reliable, efficient, and safe operation of our generation assets. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Team Leader, you'll help lead a team of talented engineers, providing guidance and mentorship while fostering collaborative relationships across our technical domain. Your mahi will directly support our mission to decarbonise New Zealand's energy sector and promote #changematters.
In this pivotal role, you'll act as the discipline lead, delivering engineering support and advice to our geothermal stations and steam fields. You'll be the go-to expert in your field, taking ownership of companywide standards and procedures, and ensuring they meet best practice. Your responsibilities will include managing plant configuration, supporting engineering projects, and identifying opportunities for improvement. With a strong emphasis on customer service, you'll assist site leadership with strategic decision-making and represent Contact in internal and external forums. Join us and put your energy where it matters, making a real difference for future generations.
Qualifications
Ko wai koe | About You
Ideally, this is the type of experience you’ll bring to the role:
- A degree in engineering or equivalent qualifications, ideally with recognised professional registration (CPEng, Int PE) in power generation or a similar field.
- At least 10 years’ experience in the power sector or a similar heavy industry.
- Expertise in mechanical engineering, particularly in areas like heavy rotating equipment, pressure parts, or functional safety.
How you’ll really smash this role out of the park
You’re down to earth, comfortable in a practical power station environment, and easy to yarn with over a cuppa and a sausage roll.
You’re known for being a team player with excellent relationship building skills and the ability to develop strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders. You can communicate well both verbally and in written formats and can explain complex issues to those who may not have a technical background.
You’re a problem solving pro who comes up with efficient solutions and has an awareness of the impact these decisions have on other teams. Most importantly, you model Contact’s Tikanga commitments, principles and behaviours in everything you do.
Additional Information
This is a fixed term contract through to 30 June 2027
Contact is not a place you’ll stagnate. We are growing and offer superb learning and development opportunities along with trailblazing policies like Growing Your Whānau, and perks like discounts on Contact Energy products, access to own Contact shares and a bunch of amazing corporate discounts!
He mea nui ngā paki kōrero ki a mātou i Contact, nā reira, mēnā kei a koe tētehi e hāngai pea ana ki tā mātou e kimi nei i tēnei tūranga kei raro iho nei--kei te hiahia mātou kia whakapā mai ai koe!
We are big on stories here at Contact, so if you have one that you think might align with what we are looking for – we would love to hear from you!
Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.
Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.
Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet 60% of the criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet everything stated above, please still get in touch. We'd love to kōrero.
Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) does not accept any CVs received from recruitment agencies where a formal engagement has not been confirmed and agreed to with our Talent team. In the event that unsolicited CVs are submitted by recruitment agencies, Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) reserves the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers.
Top Skills
What We Do
Contact (contact.co.nz ) is one of New Zealand’s largest energy retailers and generators. We’re committed to building a better New Zealand. We balance our commitment to lowering carbon emissions and producing renewable energy, with maintaining reliable access to energy for our 500,000 customers. We generate electricity from hydro, geothermal and gas and have one of the most flexible generation portfolios in the country.