Senior Principal Engineer: Structural & Temporary Works Lead

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

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