Principal Engineer – Pavements

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Provide expert, pragmatic advice across pavement design, construction, maintenance and renewal .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeWellington • New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates significant pavement engineering expertise in design, construction, maintenance, and asset management, with a strong ability to influence technical standards and provide pragmatic advice on complex issues. Capable of mentoring and building technical capability while championing sustainable practices and incorporating international best practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Pavement Engineering ExpertisePavement Treatments KnowledgeTechnical Standards DevelopmentAnalytical SkillsStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Pavement DesignConstruction PracticesQuality AssuranceAsset ManagementEngineering JudgementTechnical GuidelinesResearch ProgrammesComplex Technical IssuesPavement MaterialsPavement Maintenance

Soft Skills

MentoringInfluencingBuilding CredibilityCommunicationCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Legal Right to Work in New Zealand

Industry Keywords

NZTATe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o WaitangiSustainable ApproachesRecycled MaterialsTechnical SpecialistsIndustry StakeholdersComplex Supplier Discussions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide expert, pragmatic advice across pavement design, construction, maintenance and renewal
Support investment decisions delivering safe, resilient and cost-effective outcomes
Address complex and nationally significant technical issues
Support consistent pavement standards and best practice
Lead and influence development of pavement standards and guidelines
Undertake technical and quality assurance reviews
Support Project and System Managers on complex supplier discussions
Help shape research into emerging pavement technologies
Champion sustainable approaches, including use of recycled materials
Bring international best practice into NZTA
Build capability across NZTA and the wider sector through advice, mentoring and training
Work with designers, asset and project managers, suppliers and industry specialists

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant pavement engineering expertise spanning design, construction, maintenance, renewals and whole-of-life asset management
Strong knowledge of pavement treatments, materials, design methods, specifications, construction practices and quality assurance
Demonstrated ability to provide sound engineering judgement and pragmatic advice on complex technical issues
Experience developing or influencing technical standards, guidelines, research programmes or specialist workstreams
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical evidence into clear recommendations balancing performance, risk and value for money
Proven ability to influence and build credibility with suppliers, technical specialists and industry stakeholders
Strong communication skills to explain complex engineering matters to technical and non-technical audiences
Experience mentoring and developing others and lifting technical capability across a wider network
Knowledge of, or willingness to grow understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as applied within the public sector
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand
CV and cover letter detailing suitability for the role

Benefits

Comp & perks

Five weeks annual leave
Life Insurance for permanent employees
Income Protection Insurance for permanent employees
Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
Supportive, inclusive and empowering working environment
Access support for recruitment process or accessibility requirements