Senior Principal Engineer - Pavements at Downer in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand | Kablio

Role

Description

strategic alignment

design governance

industry representation

technical oversight

pavement research

engineer mentoring

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

Requirements

cpeng

mengnz

15+ years

pavement

leadership

strategic

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.

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

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

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

pre‑employment drug test and medical required

Company

Overview

Since 1933

Year Established

The company has a longstanding legacy of providing essential infrastructure services.

specializes in delivering integrated services across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and utilities.
supports both private and public sectors with a diverse portfolio spanning construction, maintenance, and operations.
undertakes large-scale projects such as road construction, rail, energy, and water infrastructure.
has an expansive footprint in Australia and New Zealand, deeply involved in supporting national and regional development.
notable projects include urban transport systems, renewable energy installations, and vital utilities services.
has a strong focus on innovation, utilizing the latest technology to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions.

Culture + Values

The Downer Difference: commitment to build a high-performance organisation
We own the outcomes: accountability, high standards, efficiency and continuous improvement
We do it for our customers: customer-centric perspective, win-win outcomes, going above and beyond
We stand for each other: mutual respect, safety, trust, resilience, speaking up

Environment + Sustainability

50% reduction

Scope 1 & 2 emissions target

The company aims to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 compared to a 2020 baseline.

1.5°C pathway

Climate alignment target

The company is aligned with a 1.5°C climate pathway, ensuring its operations are in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

2024 climate disclosure

Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards compliance

The company will begin disclosing its climate performance in accordance with Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards from 2024.

Scope 3 emissions target under review
Board oversight via multiple committees; monthly reporting includes GHG performance and decarbonisation progress

Inclusion & Diversity

40% Workforce Target

Gender Balance Goals

Targets to achieve 40% women in the workforce, 25% in management, 28% in executive roles, and 40% on the Board by 2026.

34% Women in Workforce

FY21 Representation

In FY21, the workforce was 34% female, with women holding 17% of management roles, 25% of executive positions, and 33% of Board seats.

Own Different campaign: celebrate and empower 26,000+ unique individuals
Inclusion & Belonging Strategy & Action Plan 2022–2024; Steering Committees and training programs embedded
Specific focus on gender balance in trades, middle and senior management
EmpowHER women's network; StandOut Global LGBTQIA+ network; Pride Pledge commitment
Māori leadership programmes (Te Ara Whanake, Wāhine Toa), Māori cultural awareness training

Articles

Downer Group Wikipedia

Downer Careers

Downer Investor Presentation

Role

Description

strategic alignment

design governance

industry representation

technical oversight

pavement research

engineer mentoring

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

Requirements

cpeng

mengnz

15+ years

pavement

leadership

strategic

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

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

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

pre‑employment drug test and medical required

Company

Overview

Since 1933

Year Established

The company has a longstanding legacy of providing essential infrastructure services.

specializes in delivering integrated services across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and utilities.
supports both private and public sectors with a diverse portfolio spanning construction, maintenance, and operations.
undertakes large-scale projects such as road construction, rail, energy, and water infrastructure.
has an expansive footprint in Australia and New Zealand, deeply involved in supporting national and regional development.
notable projects include urban transport systems, renewable energy installations, and vital utilities services.
has a strong focus on innovation, utilizing the latest technology to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions.

Culture + Values

The Downer Difference: commitment to build a high-performance organisation
We own the outcomes: accountability, high standards, efficiency and continuous improvement
We do it for our customers: customer-centric perspective, win-win outcomes, going above and beyond
We stand for each other: mutual respect, safety, trust, resilience, speaking up

Environment + Sustainability

50% reduction

Scope 1 & 2 emissions target

The company aims to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 compared to a 2020 baseline.

1.5°C pathway

Climate alignment target

The company is aligned with a 1.5°C climate pathway, ensuring its operations are in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

2024 climate disclosure

Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards compliance

The company will begin disclosing its climate performance in accordance with Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards from 2024.

Scope 3 emissions target under review
Board oversight via multiple committees; monthly reporting includes GHG performance and decarbonisation progress

Inclusion & Diversity

40% Workforce Target

Gender Balance Goals

Targets to achieve 40% women in the workforce, 25% in management, 28% in executive roles, and 40% on the Board by 2026.

34% Women in Workforce

FY21 Representation

In FY21, the workforce was 34% female, with women holding 17% of management roles, 25% of executive positions, and 33% of Board seats.

Own Different campaign: celebrate and empower 26,000+ unique individuals
Inclusion & Belonging Strategy & Action Plan 2022–2024; Steering Committees and training programs embedded
Specific focus on gender balance in trades, middle and senior management
EmpowHER women's network; StandOut Global LGBTQIA+ network; Pride Pledge commitment
Māori leadership programmes (Te Ara Whanake, Wāhine Toa), Māori cultural awareness training

Articles

Downer Group Wikipedia

Downer Careers

Downer Investor Presentation