Principal Track Engineer

KiwiRail Freight; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight is seeking an experienced Principal Track Engineer to provide technical leadership across our track infrastructure in New Zealand. You will help ensure track assets are safe, reliable, and fit for the future, supporting the Professional Head of Track and broader engineering teams.

You will drive proactive asset management, strengthen engineering standards, and develop capability across track teams while collaborating with operations, projects, and external partners.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in civil or railway engineering environments.
• 10+ years with track design methodologies and software.
• Experience in track asset management, maintenance, and renewals.
• Knowledge of international railway engineering principles and standards (AS, EN, ISO).
• Experience with assurance processes and technical documentation.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Asset Management qualification from a relevant institution.
• Strong commitment to safety, integrity, and professional standards.
• Clear communication and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel nationally; NZ driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Improve and approve track designs and standard specifications.
• Review engineering principles and standards; type-approve new track products.
• Support learning and development for track staff.
• Provide expert technical advice to customers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to Track Asset Class Strategy; input to policy and standards.
• Assist in early scoping of RNIP works and manage engineering consultants.
• Support compliance and assurance activities across track management.
• Assess technical competency as part of recruitment.
• Deliver improvements to principles and standards following assurance activities.

Skills

Track engineering leadership

Track design experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Safety and quality focus

Project and asset management

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree

Asset Management qualification

Tools

Track design software

Job description

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Get on the right track – help shape the future of rail in Aotearoa.

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealand through sustainable rail and ferry transport. Our purpose, Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa — Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand, reflects the connections we build with our customers, communities, and each other.

For more than 150 years, rail has connected communities, moved freight and passengers, and helped showcase Aotearoa. Today, we're carrying that legacy forward as we modernise and grow our rail network and Interislander ferry services.

Safety, health, and wellbeing are our number one priority. We work together to make sure our people return home safe and healthy every day.

As Principal Track Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership across KiwiRail's track infrastructure. You'll help ensure our track assets are safe, reliable, compliant, and fit for the future.

You'll support the Professional Head of Track and wider engineering teams through technical advice, asset management, assurance, and continuous improvement. A key focus will be helping KiwiRail move from reactive maintenance towards more proactive asset management.

You'll also help strengthen engineering standards, develop capability across our track teams, and support the introduction of new products and approaches.

You'll work closely with engineering, operations, projects, learning and development teams, as well as consultants, contractors, suppliers, and relevant authorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Improving and approving track designs and standard specifications.
• Reviewing and approving engineering principles and standards.
• Reviewing and type-approving new and innovative track products.
• Supporting learning and development for track staff.
• Contributing to the capability and development of Track Engineering teams.
• Supporting compliance and assurance activities across track management.
• Providing technical input into the Track Asset Class Strategy.
• Providing expert technical advice to customers and stakeholders.
• Supporting the early scoping of RNIP works.
• Acting as a subject matter expert for requests for proposals.
• Supporting the management of engineering consultants.
• Assessing technical competency as part of recruitment.
• Delivering improvements to principles and standards following assurance activities.

Safety will guide your decisions, particularly when identifying and managing engineering risks, maintaining compliance, and supporting safe rail operations.

We're looking for an experienced track engineering professional who can provide trusted technical advice and work constructively across a diverse organisation.

You’ll bring:

• 10+ years' experience in civil or railway engineering environments.
• 10+ years' experience with track design methodologies, including relevant software.
• Experience in track asset management, maintenance, and renewals.
• Knowledge of international railway engineering principles and standards.
• Familiarity with relevant AS, EN, and ISO standards.
• Experience with assurance processes and technical documentation.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• A recognised Asset Management qualification from a relevant institution.
• A strong commitment to safety, integrity, and professional standards.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to sharing knowledge.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

It would also be useful if you have experience in project or contract management.

Chartered Professional Engineer status, or progress towards it, is desirable. Postgraduate qualifications in engineering or asset management are also advantageous.

You’ll need a current and valid New Zealand driver's licence, be willing to travel nationally, and be able to pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of New Zealand's rail network.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Provide technical leadership across a nationally significant rail network.
• Help improve the safety, reliability, and performance of track infrastructure.
• Influence engineering standards and support better ways of working.
• Work with experienced engineering and operational professionals across KiwiRail.
• Support capability development and share your technical knowledge.
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement across track engineering.
• Develop your career within a large organisation with opportunities to learn and grow.
• Help deliver stronger connections for New Zealand.

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close: 23 August 2026 (unless filled sooner)