Lead/Principal Protection Engineer

Role Overview

Worley is expanding rapidly in New Zealand's power industry, working on major projects such as utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solar power developments. The company also provides electrical design services to distribution networks and large industrial clients. As part of growing the Technical Services team nationwide, Worley seeks a Senior or Principal Protection Engineer to lead and enhance protection engineering efforts on a variety of brownfield and greenfield projects. Protection engineering is vital for securing New Zealand's energy infrastructure, maintaining safety, reliability, and stable supply across critical transmission and grid-connected initiatives.

Our Power team addresses the evolving energy landscape by delivering large-scale solar, battery storage, and advanced grid infrastructure projects while collaborating with key Electrical Distribution Businesses to modernize and support networks throughout the country.

Company Background

Worley is a global firm specializing in energy, chemicals, and resources, headquartered in Australia. It partners with clients throughout the asset lifecycle, offering consulting, engineering, procurement, construction, operations, and decommissioning services. Utilizing extensive expertise and AI-enabled solutions, Worley aids customers in navigating complex challenges and advancing toward sustainable energy solutions. The New Zealand division consists of around 250 professionals working with a worldwide team nearing 50,000, united by the goal of creating a more sustainable world.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering and design teams.
• Foster a culture of accuracy and practical engineering ('doing it right the first time').
• Engage in hands-on design tasks while supporting business development and mentoring.
• Work collaboratively with multiple disciplines on diverse projects, ensuring high quality delivery in the power sector.
• Design and implement protection and control systems for transmission and distribution networks up to 500kV across Australia and New Zealand.
• Perform protection coordination and wide-area protection studies using software like PowerFactory, PSSE, and PSCAD.
• Develop concept, FEED, and detailed designs for protection schemes.
• Review and verify protection schemes, including relay and instrumentation diagrams, detailed schematics, and protection settings.

Candidate Requirements

• Substantial experience in protection and primary design from concept phase through construction.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and grow engineering teams.
• Deep understanding of power networks and relevant regulatory environments.
• Strong professional presence capable of representing Worley to key clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Progression toward Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) registration in New Zealand, or already registered.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical engineering principles focused on protection schemes, power system analysis, and secondary design.
• Familiarity with applicable standards, statutory requirements, and regulations.
• Expertise in at least some of the following areas: High Voltage (HV) Switchyard Secondary Design, Electrical Protection Design, Power System Analysis, Earthing Design, HV/MV Switchboard Secondary Design.
• Proficiency in software tools such as PowerFactory and PSCAD; experience with ETAP, CYMCAP, and CDEGS is advantageous.
• Preferably experienced with design software such as SmartPlant Electrical (SPE), Autodesk Plant 3D, AutoCAD, or Navisworks.
• Experience in construction and commissioning activities is advantageous.
• Strong technical and practical engineering abilities delivering high-quality, accurate, and timely outputs.
• Experience in renewable energy projects including solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems, as well as high-voltage systems.
• Several years of experience working directly with protection systems.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Flexible working options to promote work-life balance.
• Paid parental leave program with options to purchase additional leave.
• Support from a local team as well as Worley's global network of power experts.
• Opportunities to work on diverse renewable energy, transmission, distribution, and industrial power projects.
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s sustainable energy transition.