Principal Engineer - Wastewater Network

Wellington Water; Wellington; On-site; NZD 137,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

A water services provider in Wellington is seeking a Principal Engineer – Wastewater Network. This full-time position requires leading complex investigations and providing expert guidance on wastewater infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in wastewater engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and will be a Chartered Professional Engineer. Benefits include flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive wellbeing programme

Professional development opportunities

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Qualifications

• 15+ years in wastewater engineering with a focus on wastewater networks.
• Experience supporting strategic, investment, and asset planning.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex investigations and project development.
• Review and advise on designed projects.
• Provide subject matter expertise on network asset performance.

Skills

Wastewater engineering

Strategic planning

Team mentorship

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Civil)

Job description

Overview

• Leading technical network advisor with a strategic lens
• Wide range of technically complex programmes of work
• Based in our Petone office close to the beach and shops

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week

The remuneration Midpoint for this role is $137,763 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience

The opportunity

The Principal Engineer – Wastewater Network offers senior technical leadership to enhance the performance, compliance, and long-term resilience of the region’s wastewater infrastructure. In this key role, you will provide expert guidance in conducting and reviewing investigations, support strategic and asset planning, and assess upgrades and optimization initiatives. Your work will ensure that wastewater services remain compliant, safe, reliable, and sustainable, contributing to the region’s commitment to effective water management and environmental stewardship.

You will get to

• Lead and deliver complex investigations and early-phase project development for wastewater network performance, renewals, compliance, and capacity upgrades
• Review and advise on internally and externally designed projects
• Provide subject matter expertise on network asset performance and renewal prioritisation
• Collaborate with operations and planning teams to ensure data-driven insights inform asset management and investment priorities
• Guide and mentor others in their professional development

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• 15+ years in wastewater engineering with a focus on wastewater networks
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Civil) or a related discipline
• Experience supporting strategic, investment and asset planning and prioritisation
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical workstreams
• Organised, self-motivated, and committed to delivering public value
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) qualification

Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

About us

Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close

Applications close: Tuesday 16 September 2025

How to apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here

To apply for the role, visit the Wellington Water Careers site, and if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: [e-mail]

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.