Traction Engineering and Asset Manager

KiwiRail Freight; Māngere-Ōtāhuhu; On-site; NZD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in rail infrastructure is seeking a Traction Engineering and Asset Manager based in Auckland. This pivotal role involves overseeing the technical strategy and compliance for traction systems, managing technical teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration and safety. The ideal candidate will have extensive engineering experience, a relevant degree, and a commitment to continuous improvement and safety. With a competitive salary and developmental opportunities, this is a unique chance to shape the future of rail management in New Zealand.

Benefits

Leadership development opportunities

Flexibility to balance professional and personal goals

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in OCS or traction substations.
• Proven engineering leadership in rail or high-voltage infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of asset management, planning, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and asset strategy for KiwiRail’s traction systems.
• Manage engineering compliance, asset health, and safety assurance.
• Provide technical direction to support modernization goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Asset Management

Education

Relevant engineering degree (Level 8 or above)

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

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

Title: Traction Engineering and Asset Manager

• Build the future of rail—lead traction engineering with purpose and precision
• Permanent full-time role based in Auckland
• Salary $135,000 to $145,000 based on experience

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:
KiwiRail is the backbone of Aotearoa’s rail network, connecting people, products, and places for more than 150 years. Our mission Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mo Aotearoa (Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand) guides our work as we invest in a more sustainable, modern, and inclusive transport future.
Our team of over 4,500 is united by shared values of safety, community, and connection. Whether it’s on the ground, behind the scenes, or leading change, we each play a part in building better journeys for all New Zealanders.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:
As Traction Engineering and Asset Manager, you’ll lead the technical and asset strategy for KiwiRail’s Auckland Metro traction systems including overhead line equipment, substations, and earthing networks.This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for managing the Field Engineers and Isolation Planning team. You’ll oversee engineering compliance, asset health, and safety assurance across maintenance and capital delivery, ensuring everything from small fixes to large-scale renewals is done right, safely, and to standard.You’ll provide the technical direction needed to support our modernisation goals while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within your team.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:
We’re looking for an experienced engineering leader who thrives on complexity, brings teams together, and understands the long-term needs of essential infrastructure.

You’ll need:
• 8+ years’ experience in OCS or traction substations (ideally both)
• Proven engineering leadership in rail or high-voltage infrastructure
• Strong understanding of asset management, planning, and project delivery
• Experience in managing technical teams and fostering safety-first cultures
• A relevant engineering degree (Level 8 or above)
• Class 1 driver’s licence and flexibility to work outside normal hours if required

You’ll also bring:
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Clear communication and decision-making skills
• Strong capability in budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis
• Confidence with asset management systems and Microsoft Office tools

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape how KiwiRail manages critical traction infrastructure across Auckland.

We offer:
• A competitive salary and leadership development opportunities
• The chance to work on nationally significant infrastructure upgrades
• A strong team culture focused on safety, growth, and shared success
• The satisfaction of helping deliver a more reliable and connected rail network
• Flexibility and support to balance your professional and personal goals

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?

If you’re ready to take the lead on traction engineering and asset performance at a pivotal time in our journey, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us keep Aotearoa’s future on track.

Applications close Wednesday 6th of August 2025 unless filled prior