Senior Principal Engineer - Pavements

Downer NZ is on the lookout for a highly accomplished pavement engineer with a deep technical background, strategic mindset & a passion for innovation and capability development within the pavement discipline.

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.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We also offer:

• Flexible location - this is a national role, with the option to be based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch
• Rewarding salary and work life balance
• An inclusive and respectable place to work
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Z Energy fuel discount and monthly freebies
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programmes to support personal and professional growth
• A supportive, collaborative culture that invests in your growth and values your leadership.

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We are seeking an influential and technically exceptional Senior Principal Engineer to join the pavement design team in our Transport and Infrastructure business. This role provides national technical leadership across pavement engineering - driving excellence, capability uplift, and innovation across Downer's design, delivery, and operational businesses.

Reporting to the National Pavement Lead, you will:

• Provide specialist technical oversight on high-risk and high-opportunity projects
• Lead design governance to ensure technical excellence, Safety in Design, and value-for-money outcomes
• Mentor and develop pavement engineers, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and learning
• Drive research and adoption of advanced pavement materials, binders, and design methods
• Represent Downer at industry forums, standards committees, and tertiary partnerships
• Collaborate across Road Science, Infrastructure Delivery, and Operations to align national strategy and outcomes

This is a pivotal role where your technical credibility, strategic thinking, and leadership will shape Downer's pavement capability and reputation nationally.

Ngā pūkenga matua | What you'll bring

You will have a proven record as a technical leader and recognised specialist in pavement and asphalt engineering, along with:

• Washington Accord tertiary qualification in Engineering
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status and MEngNZ or FEngNZ membership (or overseas equivalent)
• 15+ years' experience in pavement and asphalt surfacing design, materials engineering, construction, and quality assurance
• Recognised expertise and influence within the pavement engineering sector, including contributions to standards, research, or industry forums
• Strong mentoring and leadership skills to inspire and develop others
• Ability to balance technical excellence with commercial understanding and client outcomes
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Want to know more about what it's like to work at Downer? Visit our People Site here to learn about our culture, people, and projects.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

If you're ready to lead the future of pavement engineering in New Zealand, apply below with your resume and cover letter!

Downer New Zealand is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. Our workplaces are drug and alcohol free - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test and medical.

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.