Title:  Engineering Professional Head Structures

• Permanent full-time, flexible location – Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch.
• Competitive salary backage + great benefits
• Provide national leadership for bridges, tunnels, and critical rail structures

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect people, goods, and communities across Aotearoa. For more than 150 years, rail has supported economic growth and linked regions from coast to coast.

Our purpose, Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa – Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand – guides everything we do. We work as one team to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transport solutions.

Safety, health, and wellbeing come first. We look out for each other so everyone returns home safe and well.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As Engineering Professional Head – Structures, you will provide national leadership for bridges, tunnels, and critical rail structures.

You will set the technical direction for structures across our network and assure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements. Your oversight will span design, construction, maintenance, and asset management activities.

You will:

• Set and maintain Structures Principles and Standards
• Provide authoritative technical advice across the business
• Approve internal designs and accept external designs
• Lead compliance assurance, audits, and technical reviews
• Contribute to asset strategy, funding priorities, and risk management
• Support investigations to identify root causes and strengthen controls
• Build capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing

This role works closely with engineering leaders, asset managers, regulators, and suppliers. You will use sound judgement, evidence, and collaboration to influence decisions that protect safety and service reliability.

Occasional site visits are required, including work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varied weather conditions.

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

We are looking for a collaborative and experienced structural engineering leader who values safety and teamwork.

Essential:

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent (CEng ICE, MIStructE, or Peng)
• Extensive experience in structural engineering, ideally within rail or transport infrastructure
• Strong understanding of safety-critical systems and regulatory compliance
• Experience providing technical assurance and governance
• Ability to influence and advise at senior levels
• Clear and confident communication skills

You will also bring:

• A commitment to safety, resilience, and total cost of ownership
• The ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining service delivery
• Experience working with contractors, regulators, and diverse stakeholders
• A collaborative approach to mentoring and developing engineering capability
• Organised and dependable ways of working

If you meet most of these requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

This is a national leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of rail infrastructure in New Zealand.

We offer:

• A competitive salary package
• Ongoing professional development and support to maintain chartered status
• The opportunity to influence major infrastructure decisions
• A collaborative environment grounded in shared values
• The chance to contribute to a safer, more resilient rail network

You will join a business committed to long-term investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

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

If you’re ready to support the successful delivery of major capital projects and help keep New Zealand moving, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now and bring your skills to a team committed to strengthening Aotearoa’s rail network.

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: 4th April 2026 (unless filled sooner)