Principal Geotechnical Engineer

JobSpace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6 weeks additional annual leave

Volunteer leave

Flex public holidays

Job summary

AECOM in Wellington is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to support the Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project during construction. You will provide specialist geotechnical expertise on-site, review ground investigation data, and collaborate with contractors and designers to resolve complex challenges.

Ideal candidate holds a tertiary degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, Chartered or Professional membership, and proven knowledge of New Zealand ground conditions.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Chartered or Professional membership with a relevant engineering body preferred.
• Proven experience in geotechnical design and construction support for complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand ground conditions, standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical oversight during construction for the Riverlink project.
• Review and validate ground investigation data and advise on earthworks, foundation design, slope stability and ground improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with contractors, designers and project managers to address geotechnical challenges and safeguard outcomes.
• Support construction teams with geotechnical methodologies, risk assessments and mitigation planning.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Construction support

Slope stability

Ground investigation data

Geotechnical on-site leadership

Education

Civil/Geotechnical Engineering degree

Tools

Cliq

Slide2

Plaxis

Job description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

What if your next role put you at the centre of some of Wellington's most significant infrastructure projects?

From major transport programmes and resilience initiatives to complex construction challenges, geotechnical engineering plays a critical role in delivering the infrastructure that communities rely on every day.

At AECOM, you'll have the opportunity to work on projects that genuinely make a difference, applying your expertise across investigations, design, construction support and project delivery.

This is engineering that matters.

The Opportunity

AECOM is seeking a highly skilled Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our Wellington team to support the Te Awa Kairangi Project (Riverlink) during its critical construction phase. This is an immediate opportunity to play a key role in delivering one of New Zealand's significant infrastructure projects, ensuring geotechnical excellence and safety throughout construction. In this role, you will provide specialist geotechnical expertise and on-site support, working closely with contractors, designers, and project managers to resolve complex geotechnical challenges and safeguard project outcomes.

• Provide expert geotechnical oversight throughout the construction phase of the Te Awa Kairangi project (Riverlink), ensuring compliance with relevant standards, project specifications, and safety requirements.
• Review and validate ground investigation data, advising on earthworks, foundation design, slope stability, retaining structures, and ground improvement strategies to support optimal engineering outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with contractors, designers, and multidisciplinary teams to address unforeseen geotechnical challenges, resolve technical issues, and maintain project integrity.
• Support construction teams with geotechnical methodologies, risk assessments, and mitigation planning to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of complex infrastructure works.

Qualifications

We're looking for an experienced geotechnical professional who combines strong technical expertise with practical site experience, stakeholder engagement skills and a collaborative leadership style.

To be considered for this role you will ideally have:

• Appropriate tertiary qualification in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering with strong professional experience, preferably holding Chartered or Professional membership with a relevant engineering body.
• Proven experience providing geotechnical design and construction support for complex infrastructure projects, with a strong understanding of New Zealand ground conditions, standards, and best practices.
• Proficient in the use of geotechnical modelling software including Cliq, Slide2, and Plaxis for slope stability, settlement, and liquefaction analysis.
• Holds a valid driver's licence and is confident working on-site to provide practical engineering solutions during construction.

Additional Information

Why you'll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management.

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.