Principal Design Engineer - Structures

Join Downer as our Principal Design 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 Principal Design 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.

Ngā kawenga | What you'll be doing

In this role, you will:

• 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)
• 10+ 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
• Career progression, professional development, and mentoring programmes
• Access to Marram Health Care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• A culture that champions safety, sustainability, and excellence

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to Apply

If you're ready to lead, influence, and deliver design excellence across Aotearoa, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply below and submit your cover letter and CV.

The Downer Recruitment Team will be on a holiday break from 24 December 2025 and will return on 12 January 2026. During this period, we will not be contactable and responses to applications or enquiries will resume after we return. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year.