Principal Transport Engineer

Location : Wellington or Auckland

Help shape the future of transport in Aotearoa.

The opportunity

As one of our Principal Transport Engineers , you will provide expert, pragmatic and deliverable technical advice across NZTA’s capital projects and transport operations. You’ll lead nationally on transport engineering, system performance, and network optimisation, ensuring our transport solutions are integrated, future‑focused, and deliver value for money. This is a technical leadership role where you’ll influence best practice, mentor others, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver high‑performing, safe, and sustainable transport networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative technical leadership in transport engineering, optimisation, ITS, and network performance.
• Shape national transport engineering practice, integrating lessons learned, innovation, and international best practice.
• Set and monitor network performance expectations, especially in urban areas.
• Advise on capital projects and transport operations, supporting innovative and balanced design solutions.
• Collaborate with safety engineers, planners, councils, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to national programmes, guidelines and standards.
• Represent NZTA at industry events and respond to technical inquiries with clarity and impact.
• Mentor junior team members and support continuous improvement across the System Performance function.

What You’ll Bring

Why Join Us

How To Apply

Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter.

Applications close : 27 October 2025

Rā Katinga | Applications close :

27 October 2025

For further information, email :

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

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