Senior Civil Engineer

KiwiRail; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail infrastructure provider in New Zealand seeks a Senior Civil Engineer to lead the design and maintenance of civil infrastructure projects. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience in civil engineering, strong knowledge of design codes, and a commitment to safety and teamwork. This role offers professional development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Training and support towards chartership

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ professional experience in civil engineering, including formation and subgrade design.
• Strong knowledge of relevant design codes, standards, and legislation.
• Experience in horizontal infrastructure upgrades and geotechnical construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead in designing, maintaining, and assuring civil infrastructure.
• Manage investigations, designs, approvals, and project delivery.
• Provide expert advice to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Civil engineering

Communication skills

Safety management

Teamwork

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering

Chartered Professional Engineer status

Job description

Build the future of rail – join KiwiRail as a Senior Civil Engineer

Senior Civil Engineer

• Take the lead in designing, maintaining and assuring civil infrastructure
• Permanent full-time role, based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
• Opportunity to shape a safe, reliable and sustainable rail infrastructure

Overview

Position Description

About us

At KiwiRail, we’re proud to connect New Zealand’s people and places while driving sustainable growth. For more than 150 years, rail has been part of Aotearoa’s story—moving freight and passengers, supporting businesses, and showcasing our landscapes.

Our purpose—Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mo Aotearoa (Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand)—guides our work every day. With over 4,500 people across the motu, we put safety first, work as one team, and contribute to a stronger, more connected future.

About the role

As a Senior Civil Engineer, you’ll take the lead in designing, maintaining, and assuring civil infrastructure that underpins New Zealand’s rail network.

You’ll manage investigations, designs, approvals, and project delivery for formation and rail and road interface designs. You’ll provide expert advice to both internal teams and external stakeholders, helping to balance engineering excellence with cost-effective, sustainable solutions.

This role offers the opportunity to shape a safe, reliable and sustainable national infrastructure.

What you will bring

We’re looking for someone with both technical expertise and a collaborative approach. You will bring:

• 10+ years’ professional experience in civil engineering, including formation and subgrade design
• Strong knowledge of relevant design codes, standards, and legislation
• Experience in horizontal infrastructure upgrades and geotechnical construction
• Familiarity with asset management systems and engineering analysis tools
• The ability to prepare and submit council consent applications
• Understanding of railway infrastructure (desirable)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering (Engineering New Zealand accredited)
• Chartered Professional Engineer status or working towards it (desirable)
• Postgraduate qualifications in Civil Engineering (desirable)

Personally, you’ll be:

• Safety-focused, with integrity in all you do
• A clear communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
• Calm and adaptable in changing situations
• A team player who supports others and shares knowledge
• Committed to continuous improvement

You’ll also need a current NZ driver’s licence and the ability to pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.

What’s in it for you

At KiwiRail, you’ll be part of a team that delivers projects of national importance. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities to progress your career in a large, diverse engineering environment
• Training and support towards chartership and ongoing professional development
• The chance to contribute to sustainable infrastructure that benefits all New Zealanders
• A workplace that values teamwork, inclusion, and respect

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to apply your civil engineering expertise to projects that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us keep New Zealand moving.

KiwiRail is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and particularly encourage women, Māori, Pacific Peoples, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply.

All aboard for a rewarding career with KiwiRail!

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter online. If you’re a current KiwiRail employee, please apply using your internal profile.

Applications close: 19 October 2025 (unless filled sooner)