Design Engineer - Structures

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Marram health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Discounts for Southern Cross

Samsung PB Tech Gym memberships

$500 bonus for referrals

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer is seeking a skilled Design Engineer to join our National Operations and Strategy team in Christchurch. This role involves delivering innovative structural engineering solutions from concept to completion, working on bridges, civil structures and commercial projects while managing projects.

You will provide technical expertise, supervise construction, coordinate with clients and stakeholders, and produce designs, reports and drawings that meet NZ standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in structural design and project management.
• Strong knowledge of NZ design codes and standards.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver structural designs for bridges, civil, commercial and industrial structures.
• Provide technical supervision during construction, ensuring designs are implemented safely.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to build relationships and identify opportunities.
• Prepare design reports, calculations, drawings and specifications.
• Promote a culture of Zero Harm, safety and sustainability in all work practices.

Skills

Structural design

Project management

Problem solving

NZ design codes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are seeking a skilled and driven Design Engineer to join our National Operations and Strategy team in Christchurch. This exciting position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of impactful and technically demanding projects, where you'll deliver innovative structural engineering solutions while managing projects from concept to completion. In this role, you will play a key part in providing technical expertise, driving business excellence, and consistently exceeding client expectations.

This design role, embedded within a Tier 1 Contractor, provides the opportunity to produce designs that will be scrutinised for buildability and practicality – our site teams will provide valuable feedback on the design solutions that you create. If you've got an eye for how things are put together or are keen to add this ability to your skill set, then this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver structural engineering designs and solutions for various projects, including permanent works and temporary works for bridges, civil structures, commercial and industrial structures with designs in reinforced concrete, steel, timber and masonry
• Provide technical supervision during construction, ensuring designs are implemented accurately and safely, minimising rework and risk
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, building strong relationships and identifying opportunities for business development
• Prepare detailed documentation, including design reports, calculations, drawings, and specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices
• Promote a culture of Zero Harm, safety, and sustainability in all work practices

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in structural engineering design and project management
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Sound commercial understanding and acumen
• Strong knowledge of NZ design codes
• Sound experience using AutoCAD (or similar)

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 Southern Cross, 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!

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

Job Info

• Job Identification 731896
• Job Category Engineering and Design
• Locations Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand