Senior Pavement Engineer | Auckland or Christchurch

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Join AECOM as a Senior Pavement Engineer based in Auckland or Christchurch, where you’ll help shape New Zealand transport networks through pavement investigations, design, construction support and MSQA across highways, airports and complex industrial projects. You’ll lead investigations, coordinate materials testing, develop practical, cost effective design solutions, mentor graduates and build lasting client relationships while delivering on time and within budget. The ideal candidate has 5+ years’ NZ pavement experience, a civil engineering degree, and solid knowledge of Austroads and NZTA standards; CPEng or progress toward chartership is highly regarded. Desirable: CIRCLY 7, aviation pavement design, and familiarity with NZS3910/NEC/FIDIC. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight leadership and measurable project outcomes, demonstrate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and apply promptly as roles may close early.

Company Description

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.

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

Job Description

As a Senior Pavement Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the transport networks that connect communities across New Zealand. From nationally significant highways and airports to urban infrastructure and complex industrial developments, you'll help deliver projects that improve how people move today while creating a lasting legacy for the future.

Joining one of New Zealand's leading transportation teams, you'll work alongside recognised technical experts to solve complex pavement engineering challenges from investigation and design through to construction and project delivery. You'll have the autonomy to lead your work, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, build trusted client relationships and mentor the next generation of engineers—all while contributing to projects that make a real difference across Aotearoa.

This role can be based in Auckland or Christchurch.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver pavement engineering investigations, designs, technical assessments and construction support across a diverse portfolio of transport infrastructure projects.
• Develop innovative, practical pavement solutions using Austroads, Waka Kotahi and New Zealand industry standards.
• Lead pavement investigations, coordinate materials testing and develop robust, cost-effective design recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise throughout construction, including responding to RFIs, undertaking site inspections and supporting MSQA and quality monitoring activities.
• Work closely with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Build lasting client relationships while contributing to successful project delivery, commercial outcomes and future opportunities.
• Mentor and support graduate and junior engineers, sharing your technical expertise and helping grow AECOM's future talent.

Qualifications

We're looking for a collaborative Senior Pavements Engineer who's passionate about delivering high-quality transport infrastructure and ready to take the next step in their career. While the following qualifications and experience are highly desired, we encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if you don't tick every box.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Around 5+ years' experience delivering pavement design, pavement investigations, construction monitoring and/or MSQA services on transport infrastructure projects within New Zealand.
• Demonstrated experience delivering pavement design, MSQA and construction support across New Zealand roads, highways, airports or industrial infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of Austroads, Waka Kotahi NZTA and/or local authority pavement design and construction standards, with the ability to apply these in practical project environments.
• Experience leading pavement investigations, coordinating materials testing and developing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Organised and commercially aware, with the ability to manage competing priorities and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with a genuine commitment to continuous learning, knowledge sharing and professional development.

Highly desirable

• Experience using CIRCLY 7 (or equivalent pavement design and structural modelling software).
• Aviation pavement design experience.
• Familiarity with NZS3910, NEC and/or FIDIC construction contracts.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary transport projects, with exposure to design management, project management or commercial delivery.
• Familiarity with pavement rehabilitation, asset management and economic evaluation practices within the New Zealand transport sector.
• Current New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or actively working towards chartership, is highly regarded.

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• 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.