Principal Site Structural Engineer | Te Awa Kairangi
AECOMAECOM is hiring in Wellington for a Principal Site Structural Engineer to front the Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink project, Wellington’s largest and most complex live transport infrastructure construction effort. The role is full-time and onsite, with the Te Awa Kairangi work serving as the primary focus while opportunities arise to support other transport, water and infrastructure projects across the region. The company background is solid and you’ll be joining a global firm known for delivering infrastructure that creates opportunity for everyone.
In this position you’ll balance major project delivery with broader consulting exposure. Most of your time will be spent supporting Te Awa Kairangi through construction, collaborating with construction, design and client teams to solve real-world engineering challenges and ensure critical infrastructure is built to plan. You’ll also have chances to contribute to AECOM’s wider portfolio and expand your technical, commercial and project delivery skills through work on other projects in our Wellington office.
Ideal candidates are seasoned structural engineers who can lead on site, make confident technical decisions and bring together contractors, designers and project stakeholders to achieve robust outcomes. You should be comfortable taking ownership in a live construction environment and guiding teams toward safe, high-quality construction that stands the test of time.
Day-to-day on the RiverLink site
You’ll take the lead on structural site inspections across bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings, making sure every element aligns with approved designs, quality standards and safety requirements. You’ll also supervise inspections of bridge piling, piers, abutments, headstocks, bearing plinths, precast seating and deck levels to keep construction on track.
Your technical reach will span bridges, foundations, underground structures, retaining structures and buildings, and you’ll guide the team in reviewing Inspection and Testing Plans, overseeing pre-pour checks and ensuring inspection reports and quality documentation meet the expected standards. When issues arise, you’ll identify discrepancies and design clashes and work with contractors and designers to develop practical solutions and respond to RFIs.
Critical technical judgments about construction quality and structural integrity will be part of your day, along with representing AECOM in client and stakeholder meetings. You’ll mentor and guide site engineers, setting high standards for inspection quality, technical coordination and documentation, all while promoting safe construction practices and identifying site risks. You’ll also look for ways to improve inspection processes and share knowledge to bring innovative approaches to construction challenges.
What you’ll need and what would help
Here's the core package of qualifications and experience that will help you succeed in this role.
- A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field
- At least 15 years of hands-on experience in structural site inspections, construction supervision and quality assurance on major infrastructure projects
- Strong track record inspecting bridges, retaining walls, water-retaining structures and buildings, with related civil and structural works
- Skill in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, specifications and construction documents
- Proven ability to review ITPs, assess construction quality and resolve on-site issues
- Confidence leading technical discussions and making sound engineering judgments about structural integrity and compliance
- Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership within construction teams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, able to engage effectively with contractors, clients and senior project stakeholders
- A strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
We’d particularly value experience on major bridge construction, foundations, retaining structures and complex concrete works, together with familiarity with New Zealand engineering standards and construction practices.
Compensation, benefits and practical details
The role is full-time and onsite in Wellington, with Te Awa Kairangi as the primary focus while offering exposure to AECOM’s broader project portfolio. As part of the recruitment process, all new hires are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location. AECOM provides a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental and vision cover, life and AD&D insurance, disability benefits, paid time off and leaves, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, well-being resources, an employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, a retirement savings plan and an employee stock purchase plan.
Advice for applicants
Lead with your on-site leadership. In your resume and interview, foreground your 15 years plus of practical experience in structural site inspections, construction supervision and quality assurance on major infrastructure projects, and show how you’ve stepped into senior on-site roles on complex work.
Demonstrate your bridges-and-retaining-structures track record. Share concrete examples of projects where you inspected bridges, retaining walls and water-retaining structures, detailing the outcomes and how you kept construction aligned with designs and safety standards.
Walk through your approach to ITPs, RFIs and design clashes. Be ready to describe a time you reviewed an Inspection and Testing Plan, identified a discrepancy, coordinated a practical fix with contractors and designers, and resolved a design clash without compromising schedule or safety.
Have a thoughtful question ready about RiverLink. Ask how the on-site team coordinates with designers and clients on the Te Awa Kairangi milestones, what the biggest technical challenges are this season, and how NZ standards shape day-to-day decisions on site.