Designer - Roads & Highways

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SMEC in New Zealand is seeking a Designer – Roads & Highways to support the delivery of transport infrastructure projects. You will focus on high-quality design outputs, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to coordinated project delivery.

You will bring 8+ years in roads/highways design, strong 12d proficiency, and AutoCAD experience, with knowledge of NZ standards guiding your work across concept to detailed design phases.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in roads and highways design within a consulting or infrastructure environment.
• Proficiency in 12d as the primary design software; familiarity with Civil 3D or OpenRoads is beneficial.
• Experience preparing design drawings in AutoCAD, along with design models and supporting documentation.
• Working knowledge of New Zealand transport and road design standards.
• Experience across concept, reference, and detailed design project phases.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality roads and highways design outputs in line with technical standards and client requirements.
• Prepare drawings, models, and technical documentation using 12d and AutoCAD as primary platforms.
• Contribute to design reports and peer reviews.
• Ensure compliance with NZ standards, client specs, and HSEQ requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, timely project delivery.
• Support engineers and senior designers in developing practical, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and stakeholders to maintain alignment across deliverables.
• Work to project deadlines and budgets, ensuring accuracy and minimizing rework.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across design processes, tools, and delivery outcomes.

Skills

Roads & highways design

Collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

12d

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

OpenRoads

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.

Join SMEC as a Designer – Roads & Highways

SMEC combines global knowledge with local understanding to deliver tailored solutions that meet Australia and New Zealand's unique needs. Our team of specialists is renowned for their technical prowess and reliable delivery. From transport infrastructure to energy projects, we tackle the most complex challenges with precision and creativity.

We're seeking a motivated Designer – Roads & Highways to join our team, supporting the delivery of transport infrastructure projects across New Zealand. This is more than just a technical role — it's an opportunity for a Designer who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and contributing to high-quality engineering outcomes within a multidisciplinary environment.

You'll be a key member of our Roads & Highways team, contributing to the delivery of complex projects with a focus on design quality, technical rigour, and coordinated outcomes, while continuing to build your capability and technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality roads and highways design outputs in line with technical standards, client requirements, and SMEC quality expectations
• Prepare drawings, models, and technical documentation using appropriate design and drafting tools and methodologies, with 12d and AutoCAD as the primary design and drafting platforms
• Provide inputs to design reports and contribute to technical documentation and peer reviews
• Ensure compliance with relevant New Zealand standards, client specifications, and HSEQ requirements
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, timely, and accurate project delivery
• Support engineers and senior designers in developing practical, compliant, and cost-effective solutions
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and stakeholders to maintain alignment across deliverables
• Work to project deadlines and budgets, ensuring accuracy and minimizing rework
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across design processes, tools, and delivery outcomes

About You

You're a motivated and detail-oriented Designer with a passion for transport infrastructure and a strong foundation in roads and highways design. You enjoy working collaboratively, take pride in producing high-quality outputs, and are eager to continue developing your technical expertise.

• 8+ years' experience in roads and highways design within a consulting or infrastructure environment
• Strong proficiency in 12d as the primary design software, with familiarity in other design packages such as Civil 3D or OpenRoads considered beneficial
• Experience preparing design drawings in AutoCAD, along with design models and supporting technical documentation
• Working knowledge of relevant New Zealand transport and road design standards
• Experience across concept, reference, and detailed design project phases
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement
• The ability to support or guide other designers within project teams will be viewed favourably

SMEC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively encourages candidates from all backgrounds to join our team across engineering and technical disciplines. SMEC aims to provide a supportive professional environment that promotes career growth, recognizes and rewards individual contribution, and offers opportunities to work on meaningful projects that help shape the future of SMEC in the industry.

With gender-balanced and diverse representation across technical, project delivery, and leadership roles within our business, team members have access to strong professional networks, role models, and mentorship and sponsorship programs that support career progression and foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.