Project Engineer/Estimator

Smith Crane & Construction; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Career growth opportunities

Pre-employment screening

Job summary

Smith Crane & Construction in Christchurch, South Island, is seeking a Project Engineer/Estimator to contribute to tendering, estimating, and project delivery across civil construction projects nationwide.

The role is ideal for juniors to mid-level engineers (1+ to ~3 years) ready for hands-on experience and career growth. A 50-hour week applies with travel to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• 1–4 years' experience in civil construction or infrastructure projects.
• Experience with tendering, estimating or project support is desirable.
• Familiarity with NZ standards and codes for civil works.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office, and basic project management tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Flexibility to travel for projects.
• Full NZ Driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project planning, coordination and delivery.
• Support the preparation of tenders, including reviewing specifications, drawings, pricing information and supporting documentation.
• Assist with project estimates, cost tracking and procurement activities.
• Prepare reports, drawings and project documentation.
• Support senior engineers and project managers with technical tasks.
• Assist with site coordination and supervision when required.
• Liaise with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Travel to various project sites as required, including work away from home.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Smith Crane & Construction - Christchurch, South Island

We're looking for a Project Engineer/Estimator to join our growing team and get involved in a variety of exciting civil construction projects across New Zealand.

This is a great opportunity for a junior to mid-level engineer whether you're a Graduate Engineer with 1+ years' experience or have around 3 years under your belt and are ready to take on your next challenge.

You'll gain hands-on experience across tendering, estimating and project delivery, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers while continuing to develop your skills.

50-hour working week, with flexibility to travel and work away from home when required.

About Us:

Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution.

What You'll Be Doing:

Assist with project planning, coordination and delivery.

Support the preparation of tenders, including reviewing specifications, drawings, pricing information and supporting documentation.

Assist with project estimates, cost tracking and procurement activities.

Prepare reports, drawings and project documentation.

Support senior engineers and project managers with technical tasks.

Assist with site coordination and supervision when required.

Liaise with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.

Travel to various project sites as required, including work away from home.

What We're Looking For:

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).

1-4 years' experience in civil construction or infrastructure projects.

Experience with tendering, estimating or project support is desirable.

Familiarity with NZ standards and codes for civil works.

Proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office, and basic project management tools.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Flexibility to travel for projects.

Full NZ Driver's Licence.

What We Offer:

Join a supportive, down-to-earth team

On-site parking provided

Opportunity to grow your career and industry knowledge

Please note, successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a pre-employment medical and police vetting.

You must also have the right to legally live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.