Title:  Asset Engineer - Structures

Asset Engineer - Structures

Position Description

• Provide engineering ownership and technical authority for Wellington structures assets
• Analyse, evaluate and problem-solve
• 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 of Wellington structures assets, ensuring the network is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose for passenger operations and provides technical leadership to Structures Inspectors. Reporting to the Network Planning & Integrity Manager, the Asset Engineer - Structures 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 structures assets
• Produce and complete a structures 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 structures assets are safe and compliant for train operations.
• Define maintenance, renewal, and intervention requirements based on condition, risk, and performance.
• Develop and maintain structures-related inputs to the Asset Management Plan.
• Set engineering priorities and intervention thresholds for structures assets.
• Review and endorse structures-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 structures-related defects, incidents, and performance issues.
• Provide specialist engineering advice to planners and delivery teams without owning access or work planning decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering standards, inspection regimes, and asset strategies.
• Provide technical leadership for the structures engineering inspection function for Wellington Metro.

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

Knowledge and experience

•       You will have 5+ years of experience in structures 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

•       You communicate technical issues clearly

•       You balance risk, performance, and practicality

•       You remain calm and objective in safety-critical situations

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 either:

•       You have a relevant degree in engineering

•       You have a post tertiary education experience

and

•       You hold relevant industry certifications

•       Structures engineering or rail-specific certification is highly desirable

•       Willingness to complete required rail and health & safety training

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:  8 April 2026