Lead Water Infrastructure Engineer

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

AECOM is hiring a Lead Water Infrastructure Engineer in Wellington to drive the technical delivery of complex three waters projects, providing design leadership, risk management and trusted stakeholder advice across councils and water entities. In this principal level role you’ll mentor engineers, help grow local capability, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across NZ and AECOM’s global network while contributing to business development. Key qualifications include a relevant degree with Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or the ability to obtain it, 10-15+ years of NZ water sector experience, strong leadership, client relationship and commercial judgment. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight delivery of major projects, leadership impact and NZ context, demonstrate collaboration and resilience, and note that Day 1 onboarding is in person.

Company Description

Help shape the future of Wellington's water infrastructure.

AECOM leads the way in delivering sustainable, resilient, and future‑focused water solutions across wastewater, potable water, and stormwater systems being recognised as #1 ranking by ENR for the global water market. From advanced wastewater treatment to innovative, environmentally responsible water processes, our teams provide comprehensive, source‑to‑tap expertise from planning and pilot testing through design, construction, and commissioning. We also strengthen communities by enhancing flood and coastal resilience, advancing flood risk management, and developing cutting‑edge coastal modelling to address the climate emergency.

By joining AECOM, you become part of a collaborative network of experts tackling today’s most pressing water challenges and shaping infrastructure that protects communities, safeguards resources, and supports generations to come. 

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

Job Description

Join AECOM as a Lead Water Infrastructure Engineer and play a leading role in delivering the projects that will shape the future of Wellington's communities.

As New Zealand's water sector undergoes significant transformation and investment, you'll have the opportunity to influence the planning, design and delivery of major water supply, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects. Backed by AECOM's national and global water expertise, you'll work on technically challenging projects while helping clients solve some of their most complex infrastructure challenges.

This is a Principal level role and as a senior technical leader, you'll provide trusted advice to local councils, water service entities and key stakeholders, driving technical excellence and delivering innovative, sustainable outcomes. You'll also play an important role in developing Wellington's technical capability by mentoring engineers and helping grow a collaborative, high-performing team.

What you'll do

• Lead the technical delivery of complex three waters infrastructure projects across the Wellington region, providing design leadership, technical assurance and engineering expertise.
• Build trusted relationships with local councils, water service entities and key stakeholders, becoming a valued advisor throughout project lifecycles.
• Champion technical excellence by driving high-quality design outcomes, managing project risk and supporting successful commercial delivery.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across New Zealand and AECOM's global network to bring innovative, practical solutions to local infrastructure challenges.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering technical capability while contributing to the continued growth of AECOM's Water business in Wellington.
• Support business development activities, identify new opportunities and help strengthen AECOM's reputation as a trusted partner in the region.

Qualifications

The following experience is highly desirable, but if you don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. You're a respected technical leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, building trusted client relationships and delivering high-quality water infrastructure projects.

• A relevant engineering degree and Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or the ability to obtain it.
• Extensive experience (typically 10–15+ years) delivering complex water supply, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects, ideally within New Zealand.
• Proven technical leadership, with the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams and provide trusted advice on complex engineering challenges.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build long-term partnerships and influence positive project outcomes.
• Commercial awareness and sound engineering judgement, balancing technical excellence with project scope, programme and budget.

Additional Information

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.

Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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.