Project Engineer - Wellington Metro

Company description:

KiwiRail Ltd

Job description:

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 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 is ideal for a Project Engineer with a strong background in electricity industry. 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, contractors, consultants and suppliers to translate scope into executable works within a live rail environment. This position is focused on the delivery of battery charging infrastructure and requires experience in both electrical and civil engineering disciplines. Previous experience delivering substations, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and obtaining grid connections is highly desirable.

The role requires the ability to build strong relationships, influence outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders, and operate confidently within complex technical and operational environments. The successful candidate will take personal responsibility for the delivery of their assigned projects and contribute to delivering a better railway for Wellington.

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 KiwiRail's digital engineering framework and championing this with contractors and consultants. Work with contractors to enable integration of the digital way of working into the contractor's 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 driver's 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 | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary - $115,200 - $144,000 - $172,800 (typically we would appoint in the range from $115,200 to $144,000)
• 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: 25 August 2026