Principal Transport Engineer

Job description

Location: Wellington or Auckland Help shape the future of transport in Aotearoa.
* Join us as a Principal Transport Engineer and play a pivotal role in designing and optimising New Zealand's land transport system for better journeys, safer communities, and a thriving future.
* Phenomenal opportunity to collaborate across the organisation.
* Provide your technical expertise and support to promote and ensure the delivery of multi-modal, safe, sustainable and integrated transportation networks that align to our strategic outcomes.
Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity'' As one of our Principal Transport Engineers, you will provide expert, pragmatic and deliverable technical advice across NZTA's capital projects and transport operations.

You'll lead nationally on transport engineering, system performance, and network optimisation, ensuring our transport solutions are integrated, future-focused, and deliver value for money.

This is a technical leadership role where you'll influence best practice, mentor others, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver high-performing, safe, and sustainable transport networks.

Key Responsibilities
* Provide authoritative technical leadership in transport engineering, optimisation, ITS, and network performance.
* Shape national transport engineering practice, integrating lessons learned, innovation, and international best practice.
* Set and monitor network performance expectations, especially in urban areas.
* Advise on capital projects and transport operations, supporting innovative and balanced design solutions.
* Collaborate with safety engineers, planners, councils, contractors, and other stakeholders.
* Contribute to national programmes, guidelines, and standards.
* Represent NZTA at industry events and respond to technical inquiries with clarity and impact.
* Mentor junior team members and support continuous improvement across the System Performance function.
You will find out more about the role here Position Description Ko koe tēnei | About you: What You'll Bring
* Extensive experience across multiple disciplines of land transport engineering, including ITS, network optimisation, and complex capital project delivery.
* Strong engineering judgment with a practical approach to solving complex technical challenges.
* Proven ability to establish strategy and guide delivery to achieve strategic outcomes.
* Deep understanding of transport data, modelling, and performance monitoring, including Safe System principles.
* Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present proposals effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
* Demonstrated success in leading and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams across public and private sector environments.
* Significant experience in investment decision-making, budget allocation, and programme management.
* Commercial awareness of contractor and consultant operations.
* Knowledge of New Zealand's land transport system and relevant legislation.
* A relevant tertiary qualification in transport or highway engineering, or equivalent experience.
Why Join Us?

At NZTA, it all starts with our people.

The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for New Zealand.

The Transport Agency has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years' time.

You'll be part of a team that's passionate about making a difference.

We also offer:
* A collaborative and inclusive work environment
* Opportunities to lead and influence nationally
* Professional development and mentoring
* Flexible working arrangements
* Along with our other benefits we also have Waka Kotahi Life, an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for permanent employees.
Ready to move Aotearoa forward?

Apply now and help us design a transport system that connects people, protects our land, and prepares us for the future.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply: Please click 'Apply for this Job' to upload your CV and cover letter.

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 11.59pm, Monday 27 October 2025

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz
To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications.

We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

Required Skill Profession

Engineers