Senior Civil Engineer

KiwiRail Freight; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail company in New Zealand is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer in Christchurch to lead the design and maintenance of civil infrastructure. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience, strong knowledge of relevant design standards, and a commitment to safety and teamwork. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression in a diverse engineering environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Training and support towards chartership

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in civil engineering, including formation design.
• Ability to manage investigations, designs, and project delivery.
• Clear communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead in designing and maintaining civil infrastructure.
• Provide expert advice to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Manage project delivery for formation and rail designs.

Skills

Professional experience in civil engineering

Knowledge of design codes and standards

Experience in infrastructure upgrades

Familiarity with asset management systems

Understanding of railway infrastructure

Chartered Professional Engineer status

Education

Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering

Postgraduate qualifications in Civil Engineering

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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

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.

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.

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.

Nōu te rourou | 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

Kua rite, kia rite | 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!

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

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

Rā aukati | Applications close:19 October 2025 (unless filled sooner)