Principal Engineer - Water

WSP; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in New Zealand is seeking a Principal Engineer – Water to provide expert engineering and consulting services across civil and water infrastructure projects. The role requires strong technical capability alongside commercial and strategic leadership, with responsibilities including managing complex projects and guiding teams. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years in the field, hold a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, and possess excellent leadership and communication skills. Join us to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in civil and/or water infrastructure.
• Knowledge of New Zealand engineering codes and legislation.
• Registration as CPEng or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Leading investigations and design for civil and water projects.
• Managing NZS 3910 and NZS 3916 contracts.
• Coaching and mentoring team members.

Skills

Technical excellence

Leadership

Client-focused delivery

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor of Civil Engineering or related discipline

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, enabling you to do the best work of your life. You can experience a world of opportunities to shape a career as unique as you. WSP is one of the world’s top professional services firms, bringing together some of the brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe. We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. We see the world through a Future Ready lens, fuelled by a shared commitment to making a positive impact—one project and community at a time.

Principal Engineer – Water You’ll provide expert engineering and consulting services across civil and water infrastructure projects, combining strong technical capability with commercial and strategic leadership. You’ll take ownership of complex projects, guide teams through delivery, and act as a trusted advisor to clients. Our collaborative environment is perfect for experts who enjoy contributing to our national network of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Leading investigations, analysis, design, and reporting for civil and water infrastructure projects
• Providing technical leadership, peer review, and engineering judgment across project teams
• Managing and overseeing NZS 3910 and NZS 3916 contracts, including construction supervision and contract administration
• Ensuring technical, commercial, and risk outcomes are well managed across projects
• Developing project scopes, budgets, and delivery strategies to ensure commercial success
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, councils, and stakeholders
• Leading and contributing to bids, proposals, and strategic business development opportunities
• Coaching and mentoring team members, contributing to capability growth across the region

About you

You’re a respected engineering professional with a strong reputation for technical excellence, leadership, and client‑focused delivery. You’re comfortable operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels and enjoy solving complex challenges.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Civil Engineering (or closely related discipline)
• 15+ years’ professional experience in civil and/or water infrastructure and experience and knowledge of New Zealand engineering codes, legislation and best practices
• Registration as CPEng or equivalent (or actively working towards)
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, risk, and contracts
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence clients and stakeholders
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to mentoring others
• A current, clean full driver licence

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. We are proud to have the blueprint of Aotearoa New Zealand in our DNA and our 2,000+ expert professionals in 24 offices are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 75,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today. We will review applications as they come in, so if this opportunity sounds like you, don’t wait to apply!

#NZHamiltonJobs #NZWater