Principal Track Engineer

Get on the right track help shape the future of rail in Aotearoa.

• Location Wellington
• Competitive salary great benefits
• Great team culture and collaboration

Principal Track Engineer

He kōrero mō mātou About us:

At KiwiRail we connect New Zealand through sustainable rail and ferry transport. Our purpose Hononga Whaikaha Oranga mō Aotearoa Stronger Connections Better New Zealand reflects the connections we build with our customers communities and each other.

For more than 150 years rail has connected communities moved freight and passengers and helped showcase Aotearoa. Today were carrying that legacy forward as we modernise and grow our rail network and Interislander ferry services.

Safety health and wellbeing are our number one priority. We work together to make sure our people return home safe and healthy every day.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi About the role:

As Principal Track Engineer youll provide technical leadership across KiwiRails track infrastructure. Youll help ensure our track assets are safe reliable compliant and fit for the future.

Youll support the Professional Head of Track and wider engineering teams through technical advice asset management assurance and continuous improvement. A key focus will be helping KiwiRail move from reactive maintenance towards more proactive asset management.

Youll also help strengthen engineering standards develop capability across our track teams and support the introduction of new products and approaches.

Youll work closely with engineering operations projects learning and development teams as well as consultants contractors suppliers and relevant authorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Improving and approving track designs and standard specifications.
• Reviewing and approving engineering principles and standards.
• Reviewing and type-approving new and innovative track products.
• Supporting learning and development for track staff.
• Contributing to the capability and development of Track Engineering teams.
• Supporting compliance and assurance activities across track management.
• Providing technical input into the Track Asset Class Strategy.
• Providing expert technical advice to customers and stakeholders.
• Supporting the early scoping of RNIP works.
• Acting as a subject matter expert for requests for proposals.
• Supporting the management of engineering consultants.
• Assessing technical competency as part of recruitment.
• Delivering improvements to principles and standards following assurance activities.

Safety will guide your decisions particularly when identifying and managing engineering risks maintaining compliance and supporting safe rail operations.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou What you will bring:

Were looking for an experienced track engineering professional who can provide trusted technical advice and work constructively across a diverse organisation.

Youll bring:

• 10 years experience in civil or railway engineering environments.
• 10 years experience with track design methodologies including relevant software.
• Experience in track asset management maintenance and renewals.
• Knowledge of international railway engineering principles and standards.
• Familiarity with relevant AS EN and ISO standards.
• Experience with assurance processes and technical documentation.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent industry experience.
• A recognised Asset Management qualification from a relevant institution.
• A strong commitment to safety integrity and professional standards.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to sharing knowledge.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

It would also be useful if you have experience in project or contract management.

Chartered Professional Engineer status or progress towards it is desirable. Postgraduate qualifications in engineering or asset management are also advantageous.

Youll need a current and valid New Zealand drivers licence be willing to travel nationally and be able to pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.

If you have a combination of the skills and experience above we encourage you to consider applying.

Nōu te rourou Whats in it for you:

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of New Zealands rail network.

Youll have the opportunity to:

• Provide technical leadership across a nationally significant rail network.
• Help improve the safety reliability and performance of track infrastructure.
• Influence engineering standards and support better ways of working.
• Work with experienced engineering and operational professionals across KiwiRail.
• Support capability development and share your technical knowledge.
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement across track engineering.
• Develop your career within a large organisation with opportunities to learn and grow.
• Help deliver stronger connections for New Zealand.

Kua rite kia rite Ready to Make a Difference

If youre an experienced track engineer who wants to help shape safe reliable and sustainable rail infrastructure wed like to hear from you.

Join KiwiRail and use your expertise to support better engineering outcomes for our people our customers and communities across Aotearoa.

Me pēhea te tuku tono How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter online. If youre a current KiwiRail employee please apply using your internal profile.

Rā aukati Applications close:23 August 2026 (unless filled sooner)