Principal Safety Engineer – Road Safety

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Lead and coordinate regional safety programmes, connecting regional risks and opportunities with national priorities, investment pathways and delivery programmes .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeNelson • New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive road safety engineering expertise, with a strong focus on delivering integrated, value-for-money transport solutions and effective safety interventions. Proven ability to influence multidisciplinary outcomes and engage stakeholders while mentoring technical professionals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Road Safety Engineering ExperienceSafety Treatments ExpertiseStakeholder Engagement SkillsCoaching and Mentoring ExperienceKnowledge of New Zealand Land Transport System

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Crash AnalysisSafety InterventionsIntegrated Transport SolutionsSafety AuditsTraffic Engineering Improvements

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationInfluencing SkillsRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

CASRAMMKiwiRAP

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Tertiary Qualification in Transport Engineering

Industry Keywords

National GuidelinesSafety ProgrammesMultidisciplinary TeamsNew Zealand LegislationCommunity Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and coordinate regional safety programmes, connecting regional risks and opportunities with national priorities, investment pathways and delivery programmes
Act as a technical authority, providing assurance on complex safety interventions, system risks and matters requiring senior professional judgement
Shape and influence multidisciplinary safety outcomes across planning, investment, project development, delivery, network operations and asset management
Translate complex evidence and system-level analysis into clear, balanced and actionable recommendations for decision-makers
Shape practical, integrated and value-for-money safety solutions
Review proposed safety and traffic engineering improvements
Provide client-side review and approval of responses to safety audits, and manage relevant departure processes
Lead or support national and regional safety programmes, including low-cost low-risk initiatives, value-for-money safety improvements and speed management
Influence the development of national guidelines, standards and specifications
Represent NZTA in industry forums, community engagement and consultation
Build trusted relationships with councils, professional services organisations, emergency services and other road safety partners
Collaborate with Principal Engineers nationally to strengthen consistency, share regional insight and improve technical practice
Mentor and coach engineers and senior engineers across the Safety Practice

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive road safety engineering experience
Expertise in safety treatments, crash analysis and effective interventions
Knowledge of CAS, RAMM, high-speed data and KiwiRAP
Experience delivering integrated, value-for-money transport solutions
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Clear written and verbal communication
Experience working across multidisciplinary teams
Knowledge of New Zealand’s land transport system and legislation
Experience coaching and mentoring technical professionals
A relevant tertiary qualification in transport, civil or highway engineering
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand
CV and brief cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Five weeks’ annual leave
Free life, income protection and critical illness insurance for permanent employees
Flexible working arrangements
Career development opportunities across a large and diverse organisation
The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that benefits New Zealanders