Senior Optimisation Engineer

He whakahaere aronga-anamata a Mercury, e tuku ana i te pūngao me ngā whitimamao ki te mahi a tangata o Aotearoa, ā, he nui ake i tā ētahi atu. Waihoki, e para ana i te huarahi mā te pūngao whakahou me te whai i tētahi anamata toitū. Kei te iho ko tō mātou koronga. Tiakina te anamata, mā te tūhono i ngā tāngata me ngā wāhi o te inamata. He āki tēnei i a tātou ki te whakapau kaha kia hua ake ai he anamata pai ake mō ō tātou tāngata, mō ō tātou hapori, me Aotearoa.

Mercury is a bold future-focused organisation, providing energy and telecommunications to more Kiwis than anyone else, leading the way with renewable energy and working toward a sustainable future. At the heart is our purpose. Taking care of tomorrow: connecting people and place today. This pushes us to do all we can to create a better future for our people, our communities, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tāu e mahi ai \| What you'll be doing:

This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical work with informal leadership and strategic influence. Known internally as a Senior Optimisation Engineer, based at our Geothermal site, Nga Tamariki (close to Taupo and Rotorua), you will be responsible for conducting site process surveillance, identifying gaps to maximum generation potential, and leading opportunities to safely maximise generation every day. In this role you will work closely with Operations and also have the opportunity to work with our corporate Decision Science team leveraging Industry leading integrated physics and machine learning models to support you process engineering work. Beyond the day to day responsibilities you can expect to be involved with supporting the new geothermal developments team as required.

As a key member of our engineering team you’ll:

• Champion Safety \& Compliance - Ensure all activities meet safety regulations and company standards. Lead hazard analyses and participate in safety reviews.
• Support Site Operations - Optimize geothermal fluid production, injection, and power generation. Provide technical guidance to plant operators and support SOPs and documentation.
• Solve Complex Problems - Troubleshoot scaling, corrosion, and equipment performance issues. Investigate efficiency losses and implement corrective actions.
• Deliver Value-Enhancing Projects - Identify and lead initiatives to boost power output and operational efficiency. Conduct feasibility studies and support capital projects.
• Lead Technical Analysis \& Reporting - Perform thermodynamic analysis, monitor KPIs, and maintain process models. Support environmental reporting and compliance.
• Drive Process Optimization - Lead multi-site projects that standardize and improve engineering workflows. Collaborate with senior leadership to align strategies with business goals.
• Professional Development – Be part of a Process Engineering community of practice and foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Shape Strategic Process Development - Evaluate new technologies, lead change management, and present insights to senior stakeholders.

Mōu \| About you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related)
• 8-15 years in process engineering or optimization roles
• Strong experience in troubleshooting, process surveillance, and optimization
• Proficiency in process modelling and simulation software
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and mentoring technical professionals

Tā mātou e tuku nei \| We offer:

• Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays)
• $400 one off tax-free payment towards setting up your home office
• A diverse workplace where your unique abilities and talents will be recognised and encouraged
• Annual salary reviews with excellent parental leave policy, with the option to purchase additional leave
• The opportunities, career paths and facilities associated with working for one of New Zealand's largest multi-utility providers
• Flexible working policy - The autonomy and trust to work flexibly from our purpose-built premises and from home, recognising the value of this flexibility in the modern world
• Discounted health insurance and free life and income insurance
• Excellent well-being programme including up to $100 annual check ups and confidential assistance programme
• Gender affirmation leave and supportive bereavement leave to be taken when you lose anyone close to you, including your pet

Mercury is a learning organisation that is committed to providing you with opportunities to grow and develop that will benefit you now and in the future. Part of your role includes building your skillset and mindset through a variety of ways. We believe this creates an energised, innovative and agile work environment where you will feel valued.

E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū

Every voice has its place – and together, we thrive.

At Mercury, we believe that having a team of individuals with different backgrounds, experience and capability working together makes us stronger and better as an organisation. We know that some candidates may only apply for a role if they meet all of the criteria. If you want to join our team, we encourage you to apply for any role that matches your skills, capabilities and interests, even if you aren't sure if you meet all of the criteria.

Please click 'apply' to submit your application. If you require accessibility or assistance support from us during the application and selection process, please reach out to [email protected]. Please do not apply via this email address.

A full position description is available below. Applications close Friday, 10th July at 5:00pm. Please note that Mercury retains the right to bring a particularly strong candidate through to interview more quickly.

Job Details

Reference # 43281

Posted 26 Jun 2026

Closing 10 Jul 2026 17:00

Location(s) Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga

Expertise Engineering - Generation

Job level(s) Experienced

Work type(s) Permanent full time