Principal Site Structural Engineer | Te Awa Kairangi

AECOM · Wellington, , New Zealand

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-10-29
  • Confirmed live on 29 October 2026

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Job description

Job Description
Why this role?
Few engineers have the opportunity to work on projects that genuinely shape the future of a city. Te Awa Kairangi is a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, delivering significant transport improvements, enhanced flood resilience, better community connections and long-term benefits for the region.
As a Principal Site Structural Engineer, you will play a key role in bringing this landmark project to life. You'll apply your engineering expertise in a challenging live construction environment, working alongside experienced construction, design and client teams to help solve real-world engineering problems and deliver critical infrastructure for future generations.
Beyond Te Awa Kairangi, you'll gain valuable experience supporting AECOM's wider project portfolio, providing opportunities to broaden your technical, commercial and project delivery skills while building relationships across our multidisciplinary business.
The Opportunity
As a Principal Site Structural Engineer, you'll lead site inspection activities, provide technical direction and act as a trusted engineering representative throughout construction. You'll work closely with contractors, clients, project managers and design teams to ensure works meet approved designs, specifications and quality standards.

You'll:

• Lead structural site inspections across bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings and ensuring construction meets design, quality and safety requirements.

• Oversee inspections of bridge piling, piers, abutments, headstocks, bearing plinths, precast girder seating and deck levels.

• Apply your expertise across bridges, foundations, underground structures, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings.

• Lead reviews of Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs), oversee pre-pour inspections and ensure inspection reports and quality documentation meet required standards.

• Identify construction discrepancies and design clashes, working with contractors and designers to develop practical solutions and resolve Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Make critical technical judgements on construction quality, structural integrity and readiness for subsequent construction stages.

• Represent AECOM in client and stakeholder meetings, building strong relationships across project teams.

• Mentor and guide site engineers, setting high standards for inspection quality, technical coordination and documentation.

• Drive safe construction practices, identify site risks and champion AECOM's health, safety and environmental requirements.

• Improve inspection processes, share technical knowledge and promote innovative approaches to construction challenges.

Qualifications
The impact you’ll bring
We're looking for an experienced structural engineer who combines deep technical knowledge with confident site leadership. You'll be comfortable making decisions, navigating complex construction challenges and bringing contractors, designers and project teams together to achieve the right outcomes.
You'll ideally bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 15 years practical experience in structural site inspections, construction supervision and quality assurance on major infrastructure projects.

• Strong experience inspecting bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings and associated civil and structural works.

• The ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications and construction documentation.

• Proven capability in reviewing ITPs, assessing construction quality and resolving technical issues on site.

• Confidence leading technical discussions and making sound engineering judgements on structural integrity and compliance.

• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership within construction teams.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with contractors, clients and senior project stakeholders.

• A strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
We'd particularly value experience across major bridge construction, foundations, retaining structures and complex concrete works, alongside familiarity with New Zealand engineering standards and construction practices.

Additional Information
Why AECOM?
At AECOM, you'll join a global team united by a common purpose: delivering a better world. You'll have the opportunity to work on career-defining projects, access industry-leading technical expertise, and develop your skills through meaningful responsibility and professional support.
Te Awa Kairangi will be the primary focus of this role, providing an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a transformational infrastructure project. However, at the same time, you'll gain exposure to AECOM's broader project portfolio, developing the technical, commercial and project delivery skills that will support your

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