Title:  Asset Engineer - Signals

Asset Engineer - Signals

Position Description

• Provide engineering ownership and technical authority
• Focus on asset condition, risk and performance
• Permanent, Wellington based

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

This role exists to provide engineering stewardship, asset integrity and lifecycle decision making for the Wellington signals assets, ensuring the network is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose for passenger operations. Reporting to the Network Planning & Integrity Manager, the Signals Asset Engineer focuses on asset condition, risk, and performance, providing clear engineering direction and assurance to support planning and delivery activities.

This role is required to:

•       Provide engineering ownership and technical authority for Wellington signals assets

•       Collaborate with the Signalling Maintenance Superintendent to produce a signals engineering inspection programme to maintain asset data records in accordance with engineering requirements

•       Produce code compliance reports identifying any non-compliances and ensuring these are escalated to the relevant teams

•       Assess asset condition using inspection outputs, monitoring data, and engineering judgement

•       Confirm that signals assets are safe and compliant for train operations and work with the Signalling Maintenance Superintendent to deliver compliance reporting

•       Provide engineering direction and oversight to the Signalling Maintenance Superintendent to confirm the renewal, and intervention requirements are based on condition, risk, and performance

•       Develop and maintain signals-related inputs to the Asset Management Plan

•       Set engineering priorities and intervention thresholds for signals assets

•       Review and endorse signals-related work scopes, methodologies, and standards from an engineering and asset integrity perspective

•       Identify, manage, and escalate asset risks, including recommending and supporting interim controls (e.g. speed restrictions)

•       Ensure accurate and reliable asset data is maintained and used to inform engineering decisions

•       Support investigations into signals-related defects, incidents, and performance issues

•       Provide specialist engineering advice to Signalling Maintenance Superintendent, planners and delivery teams without owning access or work planning decisions

•       Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering standards, inspection regimes, and asset strategies

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

Knowledge and experience

•       You will have 5+ years of experience in signals engineering, asset management, or rail infrastructure.

•       You have experience interpreting inspection, condition, and performance data

•       Data management, keeping asset management records up to date and ability to produce queries and reports

•       You understand rail engineering standards, operating rules, and safety requirements.

•       Expertise in analysing, evaluating and problem-solving

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

•       You apply sound engineering judgement

•       Familiar with engineering codes and code supplements

•       You communicate technical issues clearly

•       You balance risk, performance, and practicality

•       You remain calm and objective in safety-critical situations

•       Willingness to complete required rail and health & safety training

Other Requirements

• Ability to meet required medical, drug and alcohol and background checks
• Comfortable wearing PPE and following site access rules
• Current and valid NZ driver’s licence

Qualifications

You need:

•       A relevant degree in engineering

•       A post tertiary education qualification is desirable

and

•       You hold relevant industry certifications

•       Registered Electrician, Qualified Singal Technician or Engineer

•       Signals engineering or rail-specific certification is highly desirable

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Access to join NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust where you will enjoy a range of benefits including access to holiday homes across New Zealand, as well as support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP services and prescription costs
• A wide range of discounts at retailers and on scenic trains and Interislander

• Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impact

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

Rā aukati | Applications close:  6 April 2026