Project Engineer Wellington Metro

Position Description

• Technical leadership engineering coordination quality assurance
• Collaboration and engagement
• 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 youre passionate about innovation and safety wed love to welcome you aboard.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi About the role:

The Project Engineer provides technical leadership and expertise engineering coordination and quality assurance support to the delivery of network intervention projects. The role ensures projects are technically compliant constructible safe and supported by appropriate engineering documentation.

Working closely with Project Managers the Project Engineer coordinates engineering inputs across disciplines supports delivery planning and works closely in collaboration with their project team Superintendents the Network Planning and Network Workforce teams and contractors to translate scope into executable works within a live rail environment. They take personal responsibility for their assigned works and their contribution to the objective of a better railway for Wellington.

The role is focused on technical assurance constructability and quality compliance.

This role is required to:

• Plan agree procure and deliver works as detailed by individual assignment: Working with designers users and suppliers develop the scheme programme and budget for works plan materials resources and access procure materials and services supervise delivery of works and ensure works are commissioned and accepted with appropriate training and documentation.
• Work with specialists and experts to deliver these elements wherever they lie beyond capabilities or assigned authority.
• Lead and coordinate engineering inputs across all relevant disciplines including track signalling & communications traction power civil and structural for delivery of the project scope.
• Arrange for inspections by KiwiRail and external certifiers to deliver compliance certification on completion of the works.
• Using your engineering judgement and skills act as the technical point of escalation for all engineering matters on site.
• Manage the handover of completed works. This will result in compliance with KiwiRail policy principles standards and task instructions
• Work with stores and contractors to ensure materials used in construction are compliant with specifications.
• Work within KiwiRails digital engineering framework and championing this with contractors and consultants. Work with contractors to enable integration of the digital way of working into the contractors business.
• Lead on assigned aspects of the project sustainability strategy as it relates to the specific work packages.
• The Project Engineer is expected to act as a champion for continuous improvement throughout the project. This will result in a general atmosphere of focus innovation and improvement.
• Focus will always be on objectives be these the overall project or programme objectives or the objectives set out in KiwiRail policies.
• Support Delivery Manager in financial measuring and reporting for assigned work. This will result in accurate accruals forecasts and reports provided on time; accurate and complete reports or drafted provided on agreed schedules.
• As delegated manage variations formally and in compliance with contract(s).
• Ensure that variation costs are prudently controlled to an optimum level any material budget effects forecast in advance and that suppliers know KiwiRail has this aspect of project under effective management while maintaining positive relationships that are aligned with the contract form.
• Support the Delivery Manager and other project personnel in tendering and contract negotiations.

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

Knowledge and experience

• Experience in engineering delivery of infrastructure or rail projects.
• Strong understanding of construction quality assurance processes.
• Familiarity with ITPs hold points inspections and as-built documentation.
• Experience working in safety-critical environments with constrained access.

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and ability to work effectively and without detailed supervision in an ambiguous and changing environment over prolonged periods
• Communicates clearly with designers contractors and non-technical stakeholders.
• Takes a pragmatic delivery-focused approach to engineering and quality issues.
• Willing to challenge constructively where quality standards are not met.
• Builds trust through sound judgement and technical credibility.
• Ability to see the big picture and continue working steadily towards this despite short term distractions and without losing attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to make safe and efficient decisions quickly under pressure.
• Drive and enthusiasm and the ability to positively inspire these in others

Other Requirements

• You can pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.
• You hold a current and valid NZ drivers licence.
• You are prepared to travel regularly within your area of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in engineering (civil structural electrical or equivalent).
• Membership of a relevant professional body desirable.

Nōu te rourou Whats 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: 17 May 2026