Project Test Automation Lead - Fixed Term - November 2026

Company Description

Meridian is the largest producer of renewable electricity in Aotearoa and we strive to deliver clean energy for a fairer and healthier world. We only generate electricity from 100% renewable resources – wind, water, and sun, because we believe that’s the best way forward for our planet and our communities. And, we’re doing what we can to help Aotearoa reduce their carbon emissions and support others in our generation communities to do the same. We also retail electricity to more than 365,000 homes, businesses, and farms across New Zealand through our Meridian and Powershop brands. 

Why is Project Alpha Important to Meridian?

Join us in revolutionising the future of energy with Project Alpha! We are implementing a state-of-the-art SCADA-based Generation Control System to replace the existing one, ensuring seamless monitoring and control of Meridian’s diverse energy assets, including hydro, wind, and solar, from a remote location. This innovative project guarantees the efficient and reliable generation of clean energy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and technological excellence. Be part of a dynamic team driving the transformation of energy management and making a tangible impact on the environment. If you are passionate about renewable energy and advanced control systems, Project Alpha is the perfect opportunity for you!

What you’ll be doing

The Automation Lead will work with our vendors, Meridian engineers, support team and users to design and implement a test automation framework and develop test scripts that will support the project test needs and ongoing BAU change when the system has gone live.

The ideal candidate for this role will be based in either Wellington or Christchurch. Travel to our sites will be a key requirement of this role.

What you’ll bring

The system is not a web-based application, although the front end is sitting in a windows environment, with the back end using linux environment, with Oracle databases.

The ideal candidate will have the following technical skills:

• Knowledge of various programming languages such as Python, c++ etc.
• Knowledge of APIs, CSV and other data structures
• Experience with HTML
• Experience with AQL /SQL /PostgreSQL for accessing the databases and retrieving data
• Experience working with linux backend environments
• Experience with CI/CD tools and processes
• The ideal candidate will be tech savvy and will have the ability to seek our answers to technical problems.
• Experience in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition applications (SCADA) is highly desirable.
• Advanced excel skills including data manipulation, macros and charting.
• Experience with Jira and Zephyr squad desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in the electricity industry is highly desirable.

• Ability to travel highly desirable.

At Meridian, we value all people. We embrace different ways of thinking, living, and working, because we believe diversity benefits us all. It makes our capabilities even stronger. We encourage all our people to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and we’re proud to have a diverse and inclusive workplace. So, no matter who you are, you’ll find it a great place to work. 

We value and live by three ‘How to Be’s’: ‘be gutsy’, working together by ‘being in the waka’ and doing the right thing by ‘being a good human’. We work hard and value the importance of connection and fun, whether this be through daily quizzes, morning teas, birthday and cultural celebrations both in person and virtually! 

Sustainability sits firmly in our DNA both socially and environmentally. We proudly support KidsCan and the Kākāpō Recovery and work side-by-side with our generation communities to empower and support projects where needed. There are many opportunities to volunteer to any of our partnerships throughout the year. 

What we can offer you!  

We value work/life balance so our WFH and flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer: 

• an attractive and competitive salary package
• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing one insurance, funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind   
• enhanced leave provisions: three company paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days additional leave 
• life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!) 
• enhanced KiwiSaver contributions 
• excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself and will help you get there!  
• award winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it 
• employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts 
• a one-off $400 payment to support your work from home set-up (if needed) 

All in all, we’re an awesome place to work. If this sounds like you and you want to bring your energy and use your power to make a difference (pun intended), then apply today and tell us why!  

If you’ve any questions or would like the full Position Description, please email [email protected] and one of our team will get back to you. We're committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed, please get in touch via email or phone if there are any parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here meridianenergy.co.nz/careers), we’re more than happy to help.  

Advertising closes on 23 October 2024 (please note this is subject to change)