Principal Dams Engineer

Tonkin + Taylor; New Zealand; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned consultancy

Wellbeing allowance

Professional development opportunities

Relocation support

Job summary

Tonkin + Taylor is seeking a Principal Dams Engineer to lead major dam projects and shape the future of dam engineering. The role offers opportunities to work on nationally significant projects and collaborate with a global team across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, and beyond.

You will lead complex projects, provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, manage client relationships, and advance industry practice through publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in dam engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Professional Engineer status or international equivalent.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and large infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex dams projects across New Zealand and internationally.
• Provide technical leadership across investigations, design, construction, upgrades, and dam safety management.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of dams engineers.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to industry leadership through publications, conferences, and professional committees.
• Help shape the future direction and growth of the dams practice.

Skills

Dam engineering

Project leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Technical leadership

Education

Chartered Professional Engineer status

Job description

Lead major dam projects and shape the future of dam engineering.

At Tonkin + Taylor, we're looking for an experienced Principal Dams Engineer to join one of New Zealand's leading dam engineering teams.

This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant dam, hydropower, water storage, flood management, and dam safety projects while enjoying a lifestyle that many engineers only dream about.

Whether you're based in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa, the UK, Europe, or elsewhere, we're open to speaking with experienced dams professionals interested in the next chapter of their career.

Why This Role?

You'll join a highly regarded team that has been delivering dams projects for more than 60 years and plays a key role in shaping dam engineering and dam safety practice across New Zealand.

As a Principal Dams Engineer, you'll:

• Lead complex dams projects across New Zealand and internationally.
• Provide technical leadership across investigations, design, construction, upgrades, and dam safety management.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of dams engineers.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to industry leadership through technical publications, conferences, and professional committees.
• Help shape the future direction and growth of our dams practice.

This role offers a genuine opportunity to become one of New Zealand's recognised leaders in dam engineering.

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years' experience in dam engineering.
• Strong experience across dam investigations, design, construction, rehabilitation, and dam safety.
• Chartered Professional Engineer status (or international equivalent).
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and large infrastructure projects.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• A passion for mentoring others and advancing the profession.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand offers the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects without compromising on lifestyle.

Imagine finishing work and being minutes from beaches, mountain biking trails, hiking tracks, skiing, fishing, or world-class outdoor adventures. Add shorter commutes, great schools, welcoming communities, and stunning natural landscapes, and it's easy to see why so many people choose to make New Zealand home.

Relocation Support

We welcome applications from overseas candidates and provide:

• Visa sponsorship for you and your family
• Relocation assistance
• Settlement support for you and your family
• Immigration guidance throughout the process

Why Tonkin + Taylor?

• Employee-owned consultancy
• Work on nationally significant and internationally recognised projects
• Strong technical reputation and collaborative culture
• Professional development and technical leadership opportunities
• Wellbeing allowance and employee benefits
• A team that genuinely enjoys working together