Contract Engineer

Downer; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Marram health care access

Samsung discounts

Referral bonus

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Contract Engineer to join the Central Otago team in Queenstown. You will support delivery of contracts across diverse road maintenance, construction, and infrastructure projects, reporting to the Construction Operations Manager.

You will help plan, tender, execute, and manage finances to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget, while maintaining high quality standards and strong client relationships in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a Civil Engineering qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience delivering contracts or projects in civil construction, roading, or Three Waters.
• Strong understanding of NZS 3910 contracts.
• Solid financial acumen including cost control, forecasting and WIP management.
• Knowledge of construction methodologies across multiple project types.
• Excellent planning, programming and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead within operational boundaries and make sound decisions.
• Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing project methodologies, budgets, and programmes.
• Support management of contracts to meet client expectations.
• Carry out site assessments and assist traffic management planning.
• Build strong relationships with client representatives.
• Collaborate with supervisors to optimise productivity and control costs.
• Lead by example to promote a Zero Harm culture.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Contract delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Planning & programming

Cost control

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Are you an experienced civil engineer with a passion for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects? We're looking for a motivated Contract Engineer to join our Central Otago team based in Queenstown.

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse range of road maintenance, construction, and infrastructure projects while developing your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Reporting to the Construction Operations Manager - Central Otago, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of contracts and projects. From planning and tendering through to execution and financial management, you'll help ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of work, including maintenance, renewals, surfacing, and capital projects, while working closely with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing project methodologies, budgets, and programmes
• Support the management of contracts to ensure performance meets client expectations
• Carry out site assessments and support traffic management planning
• Build strong, professional relationships with client representatives
• Work closely with supervisors to optimise productivity and control costs
• Lead by example, prompting a strong Zero Harm culture

Ngā pūkenga matua | Important Skills

You are a proactive and solutions-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment. You bring a strong technical foundation along with the ability to build relationships and support teams on the ground.

You'll have:

• A qualification in Civil Engineering or relevant industry experience
• Proven experience in contract or project delivery within civil construction, roading, or Three Waters
• Strong understanding of NZS 3910 contracts
• Solid financial acumen, including cost control, forecasting, and WIP management
• Knowledge of construction methodologies across a variety of project types
• Strong planning, programming, and organisational skills
• Ability to make sound decisions and lead within operational boundaries
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Great promotion and career development opportunities

Have a look at our other great benefits here!