Project Engineer – Civil/Structural, Renewables

  • Full-time
  • Department: Renewable Growth

Company Description

Whakatakoto te tūāpapa | Laying the foundation

At Contact Energy, we’re proud to be leading Aotearoa’s renewable energy future. Our ambition is big, and so is our investment pipeline, spanning battery storage, solar, wind and geothermal projects that will support a more resilient and sustainable electricity system for generations to come. Everything we do is grounded in safety, care for our people and communities, and a commitment to doing the right thing as we grow.

One of the most exciting chapters in that journey is our Glenbrook Battery Energy Storage System. This site is a critical part of strengthening New Zealand’s energy resilience, helping balance supply and demand while supporting the transition to a low‑carbon future. It’s a complex, fast‑moving environment where smart engineering, strong relationships and practical delivery all come together, and it’s where this role will make a real and visible impact.

Job Description

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the role

As our Project Engineer Civil and Structural, you’ll be right at the heart of delivery on site at Glenbrook. Reporting to the Construction Manager, this is a hands‑on role where you’ll represent Contact during the execution phase of the project, providing oversight across civil and structural scopes while working closely with contractors, suppliers and internal teams. You’ll be there as things take shape, ensuring work is safe, compliant and built to last.

Day to day, you’ll be reviewing designs, walking the site, supporting constructability discussions and helping keep everything aligned across safety, cost and schedule. You’ll bring people together across disciplines, help navigate challenges as they arise, and provide clear, timely insight on progress, risks and performance. It’s a role for someone who enjoys being present, influencing outcomes and contributing to something bigger than any single workstream. He mahi whai tikanga, work with purpose.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe | About you

You’re a civil or structural engineer who enjoys seeing plans turn into reality. You’ve likely spent time on site in large infrastructure or renewables projects, and you’re comfortable working alongside contractors, asking the right questions and stepping in when something doesn’t look quite right. You care deeply about safety and quality, and you take pride in delivering work that meets New Zealand’s unique environmental and regulatory conditions.

There are a few must‑haves for this role. You’ll need an engineering degree in civil engineering or an equivalent recognised qualification, experience in site‑based civil or structural engineering roles, and a solid understanding of New Zealand building codes, standards and safety regulations. Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems is a nice‑to‑have, not a deal breaker, and we’re open to transferable experience from other large‑scale energy or infrastructure projects.

Just as important as your technical skills is how you show up. You’re curious, collaborative and comfortable working in the grey. You communicate clearly, build trust easily and can balance detail with the bigger picture. If you’re someone who brings a continuous improvement mindset, enjoys working in agile environments and is motivated by contributing to Aotearoa’s renewable future, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t tick every single box.

Additional Information

This is a 12 month fixed term opportunity 

At Contact, we’re all about making it good to be home—supporting you to bring your best self to work while feeling well looked after. You’ll have access to professional therapy for you and your whānau, wellbeing initiatives like flu vaccinations and skin checks, and learning through Contact University. On top of a competitive salary, contributions toward your home set-up, energy and broadband payments (where eligible), financial wellbeing support, and great partner discounts. You’ll also have the chance to give back through community leave and be part of inclusive employee networks that reflect the communities we serve.

Applications close 9am Monday the 23rd of March

Here at Contact Energy (Te Mata Hiko), we know our strength lies in developing a sense of belonging - one that helps us attract and retain people with a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our customers and communities to help build a better Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have a rich community of talented people that we support to thrive at Contact.

Our inclusive hiring process is designed to embrace the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are included in our decision-making and helping reduce bias along the way.

The wellbeing of our kaimahi is super important to us.

We use employee insights to offer a range of initiatives and resources to support physical, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing – including flexible working arrangements, employee network groups and a market-leading parental leave policy.

At Te Mata Hiko, we want everyone to thrive. We welcome applicants far and wide - of every age, stage, background, and pride. Join us and be part of a team that values your passion and attitude just as much as your experience and skills.

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.

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