Principal Civil Engineer | Transport

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Civil Engineer to join our growing Christchurch Transport team.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of complex transport and urban infrastructure projects across New Zealand while helping shape the future capability of a stable, collaborative, and high-performing team.

You’ll contribute across a broad range of transport infrastructure projects including urban street renewals, streetscape upgrades, public infrastructure, and major transport corridor projects. With significant future opportunities on the horizon this role offers strong project exposure and long-term career growth.

You’ll bring a balance of technical capability, project delivery experience, and leadership potential — someone who still enjoys hands-on engineering while guiding and mentoring others within the team.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the delivery of civil engineering and transport infrastructure projects from planning through to design and delivery
• Contribute technical expertise across transport, urban infrastructure, streetscape, and public infrastructure projects
• Manage project delivery, client coordination, and multidisciplinary collaboration across multiple projects
• Provide mentoring, technical guidance, and support to developing engineers within the team
• Maintain hands-on involvement in civil design and technical problem-solving where required
• Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal project teams
• Support proposals, project planning, technical reporting, and business development activities
• Contribute to a positive team culture and collaborative working environment within the Christchurch office

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering or similar
• Approximately 8–10 years’ relevant civil engineering experience
• Experience delivering transport and public infrastructure projects within New Zealand
• Strong background in transport infrastructure, urban renewals, streetscape, or public works projects
• Hands-on civil design experience with relevant modelling and design software
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary project delivery environments
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers while contributing technically
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills
• Commercial awareness and effective project delivery capability
• NZ project experience highly regarded
• CPEng or working toward chartership preferred

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year         
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.