Principal Mechanical or Electrical Engineer

Tonkin + Taylor; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Tonkin + Taylor is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical or Electrical Engineer to build and lead our in-house M&E capability across infrastructure projects in New Zealand. Based in Auckland or another NZ office, you will drive technical excellence, engage with clients, and shape a scalable M&E team over time.

You will mentor engineers, contribute to bids, and partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated M&E solutions across water, energy, and processing sectors.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering within infrastructure.
• Chartered status is advantageous for senior leadership roles.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary M&E teams on complex projects.
• Proven ability to contribute to bids, client pursuits and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering on multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Lead or review M&E inputs across water, wastewater, energy/renewables and related sectors; support delivery of pumps, power distribution, instrumentation and SCADA.
• Collaborate with civil, water and process teams to deliver integrated M&E solutions.
• Mentor engineers, help recruit, and shape a high-performing M&E team culture.
• Support bids, client relationships and cross-selling to grow the service line.

Skills

Technical leadership

Client engagement

Mentorship

Team leadership

Education

Chartered Engineer

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Principal Mechanical or Electrical Engineer to help establish and grow our in-house Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) capability. This is a strategic, high-impact role where you will provide immediate specialist support for complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects while actively shaping the future of our M&E service offering.

The Opportunity

You will be joining us at a pivotal time. Our business is increasingly delivering complex, integrated infrastructure projects, particularly in water supply, wastewater treatment, pump stations, landfill infrastructure, and renewable energy.

This role will be based in Auckland or one of our other New Zealand offices, and would be ideal for a senior practitioner who enjoys combining technical excellence, client engagement, business growth, and team leadership. You will provide senior project input, help guide bids and client pursuits, and play a leading role in building a scalable, high-performing M&E team over time. You will be supported by a multidisciplinary business that recognises the strategic value of delivering seamlessly integrated M&E solutions to our clients.

What You'll Do

• Technical Leadership: Provide senior technical leadership for Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering on multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Project Delivery: Lead or review M&E inputs across water, wastewater, stormwater, dams, waste/landfill, and energy/renewables. Support delivery in areas such as pumps, control gates, process equipment, power distribution, instrumentation, controls, and SCADA.
• Integrated Solutions: Work closely with civil, water, environmental, and process engineering teams to provide a seamlessly integrated service offering and improve delivery outcomes.
• Team Growth: Help build internal capability by mentoring engineers, shaping and supporting future recruitment, and moulding the culture of a new M&E team.
• Market Expansion: Contribute to bids, client relationships, cross-selling opportunities, and the broader commercial growth of the service line.

What You'll Bring

• Principal-Level Experience: 15+ years’ experience in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related infrastructure engineering roles. (Chartered status is highly advantageous).
• Technical Excellence: Strong capability in M&E design and delivery, including the ability to lead or review M&E systems across infrastructure projects.
• Sector Expertise: Proven experience delivering projects in one or more of the following sectors: water, wastewater, energy/renewables, dams, stormwater, or waste/landfill.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrated commercial awareness, client focus, and the ability to contribute to business development, strategic growth, and market positioning.
• Leadership Skills: A collaborative working style with a proven ability to lead, mentor, and grow teams within a multidisciplinary environment.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a Principal Engineering role - it is an opportunity to build something meaningful and lead it from the front. You will help shape a key strategic capability, work on diverse, high-impact infrastructure projects, and create a lasting legacy by developing a high-performing M&E team. As a 100% employee‑owned consultancy, we’re committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered and inspired to do their best work. Our values of Everyone Matters, Empowered to Deliver and Excellence Every Day guide how we work with each other, our clients and our communities