Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Mechanical Engineer Energy & Industrial

At Aurecon we are optimistic about the future. We are thinkers solvers and collaborators who work with our clients to deliver the infrastructure and assets that strengthen communities and create a sustainable future.

Were hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer to support strong growth across New Zealands industrial and manufacturing this role youll lead high-impact multi-disciplinary projects across energy resources manufacturing dairy and food & beverage while shaping strategy strengthening client partnerships across Aotearoa and Australia and mentoring emerging talent. This role is ideally based in Christchurch; however were open to candidates across our New Zealand offices for the right person.

What youll do

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer youll lead the engineering and delivery of multi-disciplinary projects for key and platinum clients guiding work from concept design and costing through to detailed mechanical design construction management commissioning and handover.

Working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams youll support sustaining capital projects in New Zealand while contributing to our growing decarbonisation portfolio. Youll also help grow our pipeline by identifying opportunities strengthening client relationships and supporting successful bids in line with our Energy & Industrial plan.

Key aspects of the role:

• Lead project delivery: Take responsibility for medium to large projects delivering outcomes that meet client expectations and business objectives.

• Manage the project lifecycle: Oversee cost estimation budgeting design coordination procurement construction management commissioning and handover.

• Lead mechanical design delivery: Provide practical technical leadership across mechanical and piping design specifications drawing management and site-based problem solving.

• Inspire and guide: Mentor junior team members build capability and enable the team to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

• Drive commercial outcomes: Strengthen client relationships support business development and contribute to winning work across priority sectors.

• Lead site-informed delivery: Engage with clients and project sites across New Zealand to turn practical plant insight into effective engineering solutions.

• Shape sustainable outcomes: Embed decarbonisation energy-efficient design and emerging best practice into project delivery.

Youll take the lead on complex projects influence strategic outcomes and play a key role in shaping the future of our Energy & Industrial business.

What youll bring

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical and commercial experience across dairy food and beverage clean industry industrial manufacturing or similar environments ideally within New Zealand.

Alongside this you will have:

• A Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent Washington Accord qualification

• Proven experience in a similar lead mechanical engineering role ideally with 10 years experience

• Strong project and design management experience coordinating multi-discipline projects with broad awareness of related engineering disciplines

• Sound technical knowledge with hygienic and pressure piping system design surge analysis pipe stress and hydraulic analysis.

• Working knowledge with PECPR requirements AS/NZS 1170 ASME B31 suite of codes or equivalent standards.

• Exposure to (or a willingness to learn) piping industry software such as AutoPIPE PIPE-FLO or similar.

• Demonstrated success building client relationships identifying opportunities and winning work

How we support your growth

We believe your career should be a rewarding adventure. Youll tackle complex infrastructure and industrial challenges in an environment that supports your ambitions and holds quality care and collaboration at the centre of how we work. Recognised by the AFR as a Best Place to Work in 2026 we embrace diverse perspectives and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Who we are

Aurecon is an engineering consultancy with more than 6000 people across Australia Aotearoa New Zealand and Aotearoa our Energy & Industrial team is deeply engaged in projects that drive decarbonisation support renewable energy transition and uplift advanced industrial practices. Youll be joining a team that values curiosity initiative and a genuine desire to shape a more sustainable resilient future.

Ready to lead meaningful work

If youre ready to lead high-impact projects strengthen trusted client relationships and help shape the future of New Zealands industrial sector wed love to hear from you.

We are an equitable-opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and the contribution that every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply we want you to bring your whole self!

We encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every criterion your potential and the way you bring ideas to life matter most. We value your unique background and needs and were committed to a fair and inclusive process so please let us know if you require any adjustments or support.

Our hiring decisions are made by people not AI. Were most interested in your individual thinking and experiencesso please ensure your application reflects your authentic perspective.

Apply today and bring your ideas to life with Aurecon.

Te whakahāi ngāwhakaaro Breathing life into our ideas thoughts views

Kiamāia kia kaha mahitahi Be bold be strong work as one