Principal Engineer Pavements

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in Tauranga is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer Pavements to provide national technical leadership on pavement design, construction, maintenance and renewal across NZTA’s state highway network.

You’ll lead standards development, oversee technical reviews, mentor staff and influence industry practice while championing sustainable approaches and recycled materials. This permanent role is based in Tauranga, Wellington or Auckland.

Qualifications

• Significant pavement engineering expertise spanning design, construction, maintenance and life‑cycle asset management.
• Strong knowledge of pavement treatments, materials, design methods, specifications and QA.
• Proven ability to translate complex evidence into practical recommendations balancing performance, risk and value.
• Experience developing or influencing technical standards, guidelines or research programmes.
• Clear communication for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience mentoring and developing others across a broader network.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of pavement standards and guidelines across NZTA.
• Provide expert, pragmatic advice on complex pavement design, construction, maintenance and renewal issues.
• Support Project and System Managers in supplier discussions and research initiatives.
• Champion sustainable approaches, including recycled materials, and apply international best practice.
• Build capability across NZTA and the wider sector through mentoring and training.

Skills

Pavement engineering expertise

Technical leadership

Standards development

QA and reviews

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring and capability building

Communication (technical & non-technic

Job description

• Shape pavement engineering standards and practice across NZ’s state highway network
• Provide trusted technical leadership on complex pavement design, construction, maintenance and renewal challenges
• Influence industry capability, innovation and whole-of-life outcomes across a $90 billion asset base
• Permanent opportunity based in either Wellington, Tauranga or Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an opportunity for an experienced pavement engineering specialist to take on a nationally influential technical leadership role.

As Principal Engineer Pavements, you’ll provide expert, pragmatic advice across the design, construction, maintenance and renewal of pavements, helping ensure investment decisions deliver safe, resilient and cost-effective outcomes. You’ll work across complex and nationally significant technical issues, providing specialist advice and supporting the application of consistent pavement standards and best practice.

You’ll lead and influence the development of pavement standards and guidelines, undertake technical and quality assurance reviews, support Project and System Managers on complex supplier discussions, and help shape research into emerging pavement technologies. You’ll also champion sustainable approaches, including the use of recycled materials, and bring international best practice into NZTA.

A key part of the role is building capability. You’ll work closely with designers, asset and project managers, suppliers and industry specialists, sharing your expertise through advice, mentoring and training and helping lift pavement engineering capability across NZTA and the wider sector.

We have a great team of professionals who love what they do. Come join us!

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

• Significant pavement engineering expertise spanning design, construction, maintenance, renewals and whole-of-life asset management
• Strong knowledge of pavement treatments, materials, design methods, specifications, construction practices and quality assurance
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound engineering judgement and pragmatic advice on complex technical issues
• Experience developing or influencing technical standards, guidelines, research programmes or specialist workstreams
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate technical evidence into clear recommendations that balance performance, risk and value for money
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with suppliers, technical specialists and industry stakeholders
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex engineering matters to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience mentoring and developing others and lifting technical capability across a wider network

You’ll also bring knowledge of, or a willingness to grow your understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies within the public sector.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here, valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

• From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here.
• Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

22 November 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.