Operational Performance Engineer

Aurora Energy | Dunedin

Do you enjoy getting to the bottom of why things happen, and turning what you learn into lasting improvements to how an electricity network performs?

Aurora Energy is looking for an Operational Performance Engineer to join their Operations team in Dunedin. This is a unique opportunity to move beyond day-to-day operational delivery and play a key role in improving how one of New Zealand's electricity networks performs.

Working closely with the Network Operations Centre, you'll investigate operational incidents, identify opportunities for improvement, develop operational procedures, and help drive initiatives that improve network reliability, safety, and performance across the business.

This role would suit someone with strong technical foundations who wants to broaden into network performance, incident investigation, and continuous improvement – whether your background is in engineering, field work, network operations or asset management.

About the role

Reporting to the Operational Performance & Safety Manager, you'll act as the bridge between engineering, operations, and network control.

A major focus of the role is investigating operational incidents and network events. You'll analyse what happened, identify root causes, develop improvement recommendations, and work with stakeholders to ensure learnings are translated into operational procedures, work instructions, and lasting improvements.

You'll also contribute to a variety of operational improvement projects, ranging from reliability initiatives through to the implementation of new tools, systems, and processes that support Aurora Energy's Network Operations Centre.

Key responsibilities include:

Investigating network incidents and operational events

Identifying trends and opportunities to improve network reliability and performance

Developing, reviewing, and maintaining operational procedures and instructions

Producing operational performance reporting and analysis

Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across network operations

Coordinating corrective actions arising from investigations

Working closely with network controllers, engineers, and operational stakeholders across Aurora Energy

About you

We're open to a range of backgrounds, but you'll likely bring a solid base of experience from within the electricity industry, along with strong technical and analytical capability.

You may be

• An engineer looking to broaden your operational and leadership experience
• An asset management, planning, or reliability professional wanting closer involvement in how the network performs day to day
• A field-based electrical professional who's discovered a passion for analysis, performance improvement, and problem-solving
• A faults coordinator, operations planner, or network operations professional looking for your next step
• Someone from transmission, generation, or another critical infrastructure sector with transferable investigation, reliability, or operational skills

To be successful you'll demonstrate

A relevant engineering, science, or energy management qualification at NZQA Level 7 (such as a degree), or an equivalent level of learning gained through experience within electricity distribution, network operations, or a related industry

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

The ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and drive practical improvements

Excellent written communication skills and an ability to develop clear operational documentation

The ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across different teams and levels of the business

A continuous improvement mindset and genuine curiosity about how systems can perform better

Experience with data analysis and reporting tools such as Power BI, formal investigation methods such as ICAM or root cause analysis would be beneficial but is not essential.

Don't tick every box? We'd still encourage you to apply. Great candidates come from many different backgrounds, and we value the diverse experience and perspectives they bring.

Why Aurora Energy?

Aurora Energy owns and operates the electricity distribution network that powers homes, communities, and businesses across Otago and Central Otago.

This role offers a rare opportunity to gain exposure across network operations, incident investigation, operational excellence, engineering, and continuous improvement while working alongside experienced industry professionals.

You'll have the chance to build technical depth, develop your ability to lead and influence change, and make a visible impact on how Aurora Energy's network performs for customers every day.

What's on offer?

Career development within a highly respected electricity distribution business

Exposure to operational leadership and strategic improvement initiatives

Diverse project work and genuine opportunities to shape business performance

Dunedin-based role with collaboration across the wider Aurora Energy network

Please note: You may occasionally support the response to major network events, which could include after-hours work. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.