Title:  Track Engineer

• Location, Wellington or Christchurch
• Competitive salary + great benefits
• Career progression opportunity

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealand through sustainable rail and ferry transport. Our purpose, Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa — Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand, reflects the connections we build with our customers, communities, and each other.

For more than 150 years, rail has connected communities, moved freight and passengers, and helped showcase Aotearoa. Today, we're carrying that legacy forward as we modernise and grow our rail network and Interislander ferry services.

We are a team of more than 4,500 people working together to support our customers, communities, and each other. Safety, health, and wellbeing are our number one priority, ensuring our people return home safe and healthy every day.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As a Track Engineer, you'll provide engineering support that helps keep KiwiRail's track infrastructure safe, reliable, and efficient.

You'll contribute to the management of track geometry, rail condition, and related infrastructure assets. You'll provide technical advice across maintenance, upgrades, and asset lifecycle planning, helping KiwiRail move towards more proactive maintenance.

You'll also contribute to engineering standards, assurance activities, product approvals, and Safety in Design processes. Your work will support continuous improvement and help ensure our engineering practices remain safe, compliant, and aligned with international standards.

You'll work closely with engineering and operational teams, as well as project teams, learning and development, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and relevant authorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Improving the management of track geometry, rail condition, and associated infrastructure assets.
• Providing technical advice for track maintenance, upgrades, and asset lifecycle planning.
• Contributing to engineering standards, specifications, and learning modules.
• Supporting assurance activities and using findings to drive continuous improvement.
• Participating in type-approval processes for new products and third-party infrastructure impacts.
• Conducting risk assessments and contributing to Safety in Design processes.
• Researching and applying relevant international engineering practices and standards.
• Contributing to technical briefings, working groups, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety will guide your decisions. You'll help identify and manage engineering risks while supporting compliance with rail safety standards and statutory requirements.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:

We're looking for an engineer with practical experience who can apply sound technical knowledge and work collaboratively across KiwiRail.

You'll bring:

• 3+ years' experience in civil or railway engineering environments.
• Knowledge of asset management and/or infrastructure design.
• An understanding of railway engineering principles and standards.
• Experience with assurance processes and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with international standards, including AS, EN, and ISO.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• A strong commitment to safety and integrity.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work with diverse audiences.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to positive team outcomes.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Chartered Engineer (Technician) status, or progress towards it, is desirable. Postgraduate qualifications in engineering or asset management are also advantageous.

You'll need a current and valid New Zealand driver's licence, be willing to travel nationally, and be able to pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.

If you have a combination of the skills and experience above, we encourage you to consider applying.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

This is an opportunity to contribute to infrastructure that keeps New Zealand connected.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help improve the safety, reliability, and performance of KiwiRail's track network.
• Work on engineering challenges across a nationally significant rail network.
• Contribute to better asset management and more proactive maintenance practices.
• Develop your technical expertise through varied engineering work.
• Work alongside experienced engineering, operations, and project professionals.
• Contribute to innovation, continuous improvement, and better engineering practices.
• Build your career through professional development and learning opportunities.
• Make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand's transport network.

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an engineer who wants to apply your skills to work that matters, we'd like to hear from you.

Bring your engineering experience, curiosity, and commitment to safe and reliable infrastructure to KiwiRail. Together, we can help create stronger connections for Aotearoa.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter online. If you’re a current KiwiRail employee, please apply using your internal profile.

Rā aukati | Applications close: 23 August 2026 (unless filled sooner)