Principal Transport Engineer

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton City Council seeks a Principal Transport Engineer to lead transport planning, growth infrastructure and long-term network outcomes. You’ll translate data, modelling, policy and growth pressures into practical transport solutions for Hamilton’s future.

This senior role requires directing complex programmes, mentoring staff, and shaping an integrated, connected and sustainable transport network for Hamilton and the wider sub-region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ senior technical experience in transportation infrastructure with strong programme and project leadership experience.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in setting direction, lifting capability and influencing change across diverse stakeholders.
• Highly developed stakeholder, partnership, influencing and negotiation skills across mana whenua, government, developers, consultants, community groups, customers and elected members.
• Tertiary qualification in Traffic or Transportation Engineering, Transport Planning or a related discipline; CPEng or equivalent professional recognition preferred.
• Ability to review / quality-assure transport impact assessments, integrated transport assessments and transport safety audits.
• Experience in land-use development, land-use integration / growth sequencing, transport modelling, network planning, investment prioritisation, operations, safety and scenario testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex transport initiatives and guide major infrastructure programmes.
• Provide trusted advice on transport planning, growth infrastructure, and long-term network outcomes.
• Mentor and develop staff; build capability across the organisation.
• Shape an integrated, connected and sustainable transport network for Hamilton and the wider sub-region.

Skills

Senior technical leadership

Transport modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Policy interpretation

NZ local government familiarity

Education

Traffic/Transportation Engineering

CPEng preferred

Job description

This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who, from planning to maintenance, are dedicated todelivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.

Job Description

Help shape the future of transport in one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. As our Principal Transport Engineer, you'll provide expert leadership on transport planning, growth infrastructure, investment decisions, and long-term network outcomes. Working across Council, partner agencies, developers, and communities, you'll turn complex data, modelling, policy and growth pressures into practical transport solutions that support Hamilton's future.

This is a highly influential role where you'll lead complex transport initiatives, guide major infrastructure programmes and provide trusted advice on matters that impact the city's growth, safety, affordability, environmental outcomes and community wellbeing. You'll bring a strategic mindset and the ability to balance evidence, statutory requirements, partner priorities and long-term network performance to resolve complex challenges and drive meaningful outcomes.

Beyond delivering technical excellence, you'll be a recognised subject matter expert who enjoys mentoring and developing others. You'll help build capability across the organisation, influence decision-making at a senior level and play a key role in shaping an integrated, connected and sustainable transport network for Hamilton and the wider sub-region.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Qualifications and experience:

Required

• Minimum 10 years’ senior technical experience in transportation infrastructure with strong programme and project leadership experience, including management of complex dependencies, risks, budgets, consultants, and partner expectations.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in setting direction, lifting capability and influencing change across diverse stakeholders.
• Highly developed stakeholder, partnership, influencing and negotiation skills across mana whenua, government, developers, consultants, community groups, customers and elected members.
• Tertiary qualification in Traffic or Transportation Engineering, Transport Planning or a related discipline; CPEng or equivalent professional recognition preferred.
• Ability to review / quality-assure transport impact assessments, integrated transport assessments and transport safety audits.
• Experience in land-use development, land-use integration / growth sequencing, transport modelling, network planning, investment prioritisation, operations, safety and scenario testing.
• Understanding of New Zealand local government, statutory planning, transport funding, infrastructure strategy and elected-member decision-making.

Qualities and attributes:

• Makes sound, timely and defensible decisions under pressure, applying judgement, risk awareness and systems thinking during uncertainty or heightened public and political interest.
• Strong strategic planning, policy, business case, consultation and reporting skills, including translating complex evidence into clear advice for decision-makers

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa$167k dependent on skills and experience.

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Applications close on the: 27 Sept 2026

Note: We will be shortlistingas we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants byclicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.