Principal Site Structural Engineer | Te Awa Kairangi

AECOM; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Wellington, NZ seeks a Principal Site Structural Engineer to lead live construction on Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink) and contribute to other transport and infrastructure projects. You will oversee structural site inspections, manage interfaces with contractors, and ensure adherence to designs, quality and safety standards on complex bridges and structures.

You will bring 15+ years of structural site experience, strong leadership, and the ability to interpret complex drawings, review ITPs,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years' practical experience in structural site inspections and construction supervision.
• Experience inspecting bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings.
• Ability to interpret complex drawings, specs and construction documentation.
• Experience reviewing ITPs and resolving on-site issues.
• Confident in leading technical discussions and making sound judgments on structural integrity.
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership on site.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, with safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural site inspections across bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings.
• Oversee inspections of bridge piling, piers, abutments, headstocks, bearing plinths, precast girder seating and deck levels.
• Apply expertise across bridges, foundations, underground structures, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings.
• Lead reviews of Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs) and ensure quality documentation.
• Identify construction discrepancies and design clashes; resolve RFIs with contractors and designers.
• Make critical technical judgments on construction quality, structural integrity and readiness for subsequent stages.
• Represent AECOM in client and stakeholder meetings and build strong relationships.
• Mentor and guide site engineers, promoting high standards in inspection quality and coordination.
• Drive safe construction practices and champion health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Promote knowledge sharing and innovative approaches to construction challenges.

Skills

Bridge inspections

Site supervision

Structural analysis

Project leadership

Quality assurance

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Job description

Company Description

Help build one of New Zealand's most significant transport infrastructure projects while developing your career across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects.

At AECOM, we're delivering infrastructure that creates opportunity for everyone. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Site Structural Engineer to join our Wellington team, with a primary focus on the Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink) Project - Wellington’s largest and most complex live transport infrastructure construction project.

This role offers a unique combination of major project delivery experience and broader consulting exposure. While the majority of your time will be dedicated to supporting Te Awa Kairangi during construction, you will also contribute to a variety of AECOM's transport, water and infrastructure projects across the Wellington region, including aspects of project and contract management.

Job Description

Why this role?

Few engineers have the opportunity to work on projects that genuinely shape the future of a city. Te Awa Kairangi is a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, delivering significant transport improvements, enhanced flood resilience, better community connections and long-term benefits for the region.

As a Principal Site Structural Engineer, you will play a key role in bringing this landmark project to life. You'll apply your engineering expertise in a challenging live construction environment, working alongside experienced construction, design and client teams to help solve real-world engineering problems and deliver critical infrastructure for future generations.

Beyond Te Awa Kairangi, you'll gain valuable experience supporting AECOM's wider project portfolio, providing opportunities to broaden your technical, commercial and project delivery skills while building relationships across our multidisciplinary business.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Site Structural Engineer, you'll lead site inspection activities, provide technical direction and act as a trusted engineering representative throughout construction. You'll work closely with contractors, clients, project managers and design teams to ensure works meet approved designs, specifications and quality standards.

• Lead structural site inspections across bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings and ensuring construction meets design, quality and safety requirements.
• Oversee inspections of bridge piling, piers, abutments, headstocks, bearing plinths, precast girder seating and deck levels.
• Apply your expertise across bridges, foundations, underground structures, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings.
• Lead reviews of Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs), oversee pre-pour inspections and ensure inspection reports and quality documentation meet required standards.
• Identify construction discrepancies and design clashes, working with contractors and designers to develop practical solutions and resolve Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Make critical technical judgements on construction quality, structural integrity and readiness for subsequent construction stages.
• Represent AECOM in client and stakeholder meetings, building strong relationships across project teams.
• Mentor and guide site engineers, setting high standards for inspection quality, technical coordination and documentation.
• Drive safe construction practices, identify site risks and champion AECOM's health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Improve inspection processes, share technical knowledge and promote innovative approaches to construction challenges.

Qualifications

The impact you’ll bring

We're looking for an experienced structural engineer who combines deep technical knowledge with confident site leadership. You'll be comfortable making decisions, navigating complex construction challenges and bringing contractors, designers and project teams together to achieve the right outcomes.

You’ll ideally bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years practical experience in structural site inspections, construction supervision and quality assurance on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience inspecting bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings and associated civil and structural works.
• The ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications and construction documentation.
• Proven capability in reviewing ITPs, assessing construction quality and resolving technical issues on site.
• Confidence leading technical discussions and making sound engineering judgements on structural integrity and compliance.
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership within construction teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with contractors, clients and senior project stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

We'd particularly value experience across major bridge construction, foundations, retaining structures and complex concrete works, alongside familiarity with New Zealand engineering standards and construction practices.

Additional Information

Why AECOM?

At AECOM, you'll join a global team united by a common purpose: delivering a better world. You'll have the opportunity to work on career-defining projects, access industry-leading technical expertise, and develop your skills through meaningful responsibility and professional support.

Te Awa Kairangi will be the primary focus of this role, providing an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a transformational infrastructure project. However, at the same time, you'll gain exposure to AECOM's broader project portfolio, developing the technical, commercial and project delivery skills that will support your long-term career growth.

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.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

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. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

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.