Principal Transmission Line Engineer I Energy NZ

Come and grow with us.

AECOM’s Energy practice provides a wide range of services from consulting and engineering design to energy engineering, energy procurement and construction (EPC) for power, energy efficiency, and renewable energy clients. Our understanding of the big picture - and the interconnection between generation, distribution, storage, and the demand side of the meter - allows us to deliver holistic strategies that improve and modernise next generation energy infrastructure. We connect knowledge and experience across our global framework to bring together a unique combination of engineers, planners, scientists, and project managers who advance cleaner, secure, and more sustainable energy solutions.

Everyone belongs at AECOM

We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

As a Principal Transmission Line Engineer, this role provides the leadership opportunity across the design and delivery of transmission line work packages for high voltage and grid scale design projects, with the opportunity to work on projects throughout New Zealand (NZ), Australia, and globally across AECOM’s locations.

In this position, you will play a key leadership role setting up and delivering the approach across engineering design, technical assurance, and project delivery, adapting design requirements across client, project, site location, climatic, and differing engineering standards for high voltage utility scale projects. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality and best practice work packages and projects aligned to appropriate standards.

This role provides the scope to grow your career within an established Transmission, Distribution and related Energy teams, building on your extensive technical expertise in the design of transmission, distribution, structural (pole and lattice tower), and related projects. You will be able to lead the delivery of work packages for projects from initiation to completion across technical, design, project delivery as well as providing technical support and mentoring to others in the team. This is your opportunity to provide technical direction across multidisciplinary teams, guide project delivery across complex work packages, shape technical standards, and provide mentoring to develop the next generation of Transmission Line Engineers. Through this, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on critical transmission and related major energy infrastructure projects as part of the energy transition.

How you’ll make a difference:

• Leading the approach and providing transmission line engineering, designs, calculations, reviews and technical advisory support to meet project technical requirements with a focus across focus across transmission route and structural (tower and pole) related design requirements.
• Supporting and leading project delivery excellence through leading work packages, arranging technical verification tasks are completed, working within AECOM’s technical standards and processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across transmission, distribution, and related engineering disciplines (including structural and civil), to deliver innovative and technically outstanding solutions.
• Build and maintain client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor on transmission line design work packages ensuring high-quality communication and service.
• Collaborating and raising design queries contributing to problem solving across the range of technical engineering disciplines at AECOM, including with technical, design and delivery teams based throughout New Zealand, Australia and globally.
• Applying your software and design tool abilities across the PLS-CADD platform (including CADD, Tower and Pole applications) both as a key design user, through verification and mentoring of others designs.
• Work with the current local team, and with teams based in other office locations, to help mentor graduate and early-stage career engineers, developing their transmission related technical, design and project abilities.

Ideally based in Christchurch, this role has scope to be based in other main AECOM offices throughout New Zealand.

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Transmission Line Engineer with a track record across transmission line and distribution design projects. You will be known for your ability to work independently, leading the delivery of projects, working collaboratively in teams, with a project and client-first focus. Experience and exposure to working across different project types, site requirements, and geographies at utility scale will be an advantage.

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

The qualities that help you thrive:

• Significant experience (8+ years, ideally more) of transmission line engineering with a focus on design (concept, tender and detailed design stages) for complex transmission and distribution projects.
• Experience in work package and project delivery, leading the transmission line design approach and outcomes aligned to client standards, for grid scale transmission design projects.
• Ideally experience working in the engineering consulting sector, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams with a focus on project scope, budgets, and timelines.
• Strong client engagement and communication skills, with the ability to advise, influence, build and maintain long-term relationships with technical and other client teams, as a trusted advisor.
• Experienced and proficient in PLS-CADD, PLS-TOWER and PLS-POLE, with competence in AutoCAD and Neara being beneficial.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Structural or related Engineering discipline, ideally with a postgraduate qualification.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent professional registration preferred.
• A proven ability to build collaborative, beneficial and effective relationship with design and technical teams, based in different geographies and offices, including across countries.
• A passion for mentoring and the development to support the growth of the next generation of Engineers, ideally with experience in project mentoring, technical subject matter training, or team leadership roles.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays - swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.