Senior Principal Engineer

Downer; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Marram Health Care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Leadership and development programs

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Chartered Senior Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex structural and temporary works projects in Aotearoa. You will collaborate with national teams, clients, and subcontractors to deliver practical, buildable, and cost-efficient design outcomes that enhance site productivity and safety.

In this senior role, you will mentor engineers, lead design reviews for bridges, retaining walls, and temporary works, drive zero-harm, and identify innovative

Qualifications

• BE (Civil) or equivalent tertiary qualification in engineering.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status and Engineers New Zealand membership.
• 15+ years' experience in structural engineering across civil infrastructure projects.
• Proven expertise in permanent and temporary works design and construction methodology.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and an innovative mindset.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• A full Class 1 driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example, driving Zero Harm through operational excellence
• Lead and review designs for bridges, retaining walls, low-rise buildings, and temporary works (e.g. propping, scaffolding, crane platforms, and formwork)
• Provide expert technical input during design, tendering, and delivery phases to ensure constructability, safety, and cost efficiency
• Identify and implement innovation opportunities in materials, technology, and construction methods
• Manage internal and external design teams, ensuring design integrity, quality, and compliance with project specifications and standards
• Lead the development of temporary works designs on complex build-only projects
• Support site teams through construction monitoring, inspection test plans, and quality assurance
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, graduates, and cadets to build technical capability across the business
• Represent Downer within the wider industry, contributing to forums, technical groups, and thought leadership initiatives

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Construction knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Driver's license

Education

BE (Civil) or equivalent

Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)

Engineers New Zealand membership (MEngNZ or FEngNZ)

Job description

Join Downer as our Senior Principal Engineer and play a leading role in delivering safe, efficient, and buildable design solutions across Aotearoa and beyond!

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We're looking for a highly experienced and Chartered Senior Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across a range of complex structural and temporary works projects.

In this senior role, you'll work closely with our National Lead, project teams, clients, and subcontractors to ensure practical, buildable, and cost-effective design outcomes that enhance site productivity and safety.

You'll be part of Downer's Infrastructure Delivery Business Unit, collaborating nationally with technical specialists and mentoring emerging engineers - strengthening Downer's position as a leader in innovative and efficient structural design.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead by example, driving Zero Harm through operational excellence
• Lead and review designs for bridges, retaining walls, low-rise buildings, and temporary works (e.g. propping, scaffolding, crane platforms, and formwork)
• Provide expert technical input during design, tendering, and delivery phases to ensure constructability, safety, and cost efficiency
• Identify and implement innovation opportunities in materials, technology, and construction methods
• Manage internal and external design teams, ensuring design integrity, quality, and compliance with project specifications and standards
• Lead the development of temporary works designs on complex build-only projects
• Support site teams through construction monitoring, inspection test plans, and quality assurance
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, graduates, and cadets to build technical capability across the business
• Represent Downer within the wider industry, contributing to forums, technical groups, and thought leadership initiatives

Ngā pūkenga matua | About You

You're a respected structural engineer who brings both deep technical knowledge and a practical understanding of construction. You'll bring:

• A BE (Civil) or equivalent tertiary qualification in engineering
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status and membership with Engineers New Zealand (MEngNZ or FEngNZ)
• 15+ years' experience in structural engineering, ideally across a variety of civil infrastructure projects
• Proven expertise in permanent and temporary works design and construction methodology
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and an innovative mindset
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, collaboration, and stakeholder management
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• A full Class 1 driver's licence

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you'll love working with us

At Downer, we're more than just a construction company - we're shaping New Zealand's infrastructure for future generations. You'll join a team that values technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

We offer:

• Opportunities to work on complex, nationally significant projects
• Access to Marram Health Care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• A culture that champions safety, sustainability, and excellence
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader's programme for top performersAll the tools of trade you need to do your job

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!