Project Engineer/Estimator

Culham Engineering; Kawerau District; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

40 hours per week

Competitive salary

Team environment

Job summary

Culham Engineering in Kawerau, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced Project Engineer / Estimator to support fabrication, maintenance and construction projects from tender through to completion.

You will work with project teams, workshop personnel, clients and suppliers, compiling estimates, schedules and cost reports in a fast-paced environment.

This permanent, full-time role offers competitive pay and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering; heavy engineering or structural steel experience.
• Proven experience in project engineering, estimating and coordination.
• Strong fabrication, construction and maintenance understanding.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and project specifications.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain project plans, schedules, forecasts, and progress reports.
• Support the planning, execution, and close-out of projects.
• Coordinate drawings, approvals, procurement activities, and QA requirements.
• Monitor project progress, costs, risks, variations, and deliverables.
• Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct project meetings and provide regular reporting.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop detailed pricing structures for labour, materials, plant, coatings, transport, and subcontract services.
• Support tender reviews, project handovers, and material procurement following award.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, quality, health and safety, and environmental compliance initiatives.

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Established in 1958, Culham Engineering is one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned fully integrated project management, fabrication, and construction companies. We have over 67 years’ experience in heavy engineering, petrochemical, industrial, and the construction industry with branches in Whangarei, Kawerau and Auckland.

The Opportunity:

Culham Engineering is seeking an experienced Project Engineer / Estimator to join our team based in Kawerau.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines project engineering, planning, scheduling, and estimation responsibilities. You will work closely with project teams, workshop personnel, clients, suppliers, and contractors to support the successful delivery of fabrication, maintenance, and construction projects from tender through to completion.

The role is ideal for someone with strong technical capability, commercial awareness, and a passion for delivering quality engineering outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare and maintain project plans, schedules, forecasts, and progress reports

Support the planning, execution, and close-out of projects

Coordinate drawings, approvals, procurement activities, and QA requirements

Monitor project progress, costs, risks, variations, and deliverables

Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders

Conduct project meetings and provide regular reporting

Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions

Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing

Develop detailed pricing structures for labour, materials, plant, coatings, transport, and subcontract services

Support tender reviews, project handovers, and material procurement following award

Contribute to continuous improvement, quality, health and safety, and environmental compliance initiatives

Essential Qualification, Experience & Skills:

Degree in Structural Engineering, Engineering Design, or equivalent experience in the heavy engineering or structural steel industry

Proven experience in project engineering, estimating, project coordination, or a similar role

Strong understanding of fabrication, construction, and industrial maintenance environments

Experience interpreting engineering drawings and project specifications

Commercially minded with sound contractual understanding

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

High attention to detail and organisational capability

Experience with planning and scheduling software such as Primavera or MS Project would be advantageous

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a demanding environment

What’s on offer:

Permanent Full Time Position

Minimum of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Competitive salary package dependent on skills and experience

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Opportunity to drive performance and continuous improvement

This position is only open to candidates who are New Zealand residents or who are able to work legally in New Zealand.

The close date forapplications is Friday, 18 September 2026.