Drilling Engineer

Company Description

Whakatakoto te tūāpapa | Laying the foundation

At Contact Energy, our geothermal mahi is more than just drilling wells — it’s about unlocking the power of Papatūānuku to fuel Aotearoa’s clean energy future. Our geothermal well sites, nestled in the heart of the central North Island, are a taonga. They represent decades of innovation, deep respect for the whenua, and a commitment to sustainable energy. We drill, maintain, and manage these wells in-house, with a skilled team who know the land, the science, and the importance of doing things right.

Our internal drilling function is a cornerstone of Contact’s strategy to decarbonise the energy sector. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement, we’re proud to be leading the way in geothermal development. Every well we drill is a step toward a more sustainable Aotearoa, and every engineer who joins us plays a vital role in that journey.

Job Description

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the role

This isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. As a Drilling Engineer at Contact, you’ll be at the forefront of geothermal well operations, working alongside experienced engineers and technicians to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative drilling and intervention programmes. You’ll be supported by our Senior Drilling Engineer, learning the ropes while contributing to real-world projects that matter.

You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our geothermal assets — from scoping new wells to managing risk, forecasting costs, and collaborating across teams. You’ll be part of a whānau that values your input, encourages your growth, and backs you to make a difference.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe | About you

The type of experience you’ll bring to the role

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent qualifications and working towards professional registration (CPEng, Int PE) with Mechanical Engineering as a Practice Area.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the deep drilling industry or similar (heavy industry).
• A level of expertise and experience in Geothermal Drilling and geothermal wells interventions activities. This is focused on, but not limited to, well design, management of drilling and intervention operations, creation of work programmes, problem-solving and direct and indirect management of contractors.
• A working knowledge, in your discipline, of the legislative framework Contact's Generation sites operate under.
• Project management and contract management experience.
• Knowledge of financial modelling for the evaluation of investment opportunities.

Additional Information

This is a fixed term contract through to May 2026 however is a fantastic opportunity to join our high performing drilling team. 

There are a bunch of perks to being a fixed term Contact kaimahi along with great leadership, teammates, development, and growth and progression opportunities we have a number of staff benefits available. 

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 Energy.

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.