Infrastructure Design Lead

Are you an experienced Infrastructure Design professional ready to play a lead role in a complex, multi-disciplinary project?

Join the Ministry of Defence and play a pivotal role in delivering fit-for-purpose infrastructure to support New Zealand's defence capability.

This is a fixed term role until December

As our Infrastructure Design Lead, you'll be at the heart of the Maritime Helicopter-60R Integrated Project Team, driving the design of a complex, purpose-built facility at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland.

This isn't just another building project — it's a chance to deliver infrastructure that directly supports New Zealand's operational readiness and strategic defence goals.

You'll work alongside Defence staff and the Defence Estate & Infrastructure (DE&I) Alliance, navigating technical challenges, regulatory requirements, and operational needs to deliver a solution that's smart, secure, and future-ready.

You will have :

Proven experience in infrastructure design within large, complex programmes

Great understanding of construction and design standards

Experience managing design consultants and coordinating multidisciplinary teams

Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure

A tertiary qualification in architecture, engineering, or a related field

Project management certification or equivalent experience is highly desirable

We ask all our people to undertake a commitment to doing their part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Maori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We do this by actively striving to build te ao Maori capability into our day-to-day work.

We know that some people, especially women, can be unsure about working in the defence sector.

If you're curious, reach out for a confidential chat about what it's like working at the Ministry of Defence at

You don't have to tick every box.

If the role sounds like you, please apply.

Who we are | Ko wai matou

We are the Government's lead civilian advisor on defence.

We also purchase major equipment which becomes a capability when it is used by those in service of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Salary and Benefits | Utu a-Tau

We are careful to maintain pay relativities amongst our people and our roles.

For this reason the salary offered for this role will be around $170k – $180k.

Flexible working that supports the individual, the team and the organisation

An annual wellbeing subsidy

Contributions towards childcare for children up to age 14

Eyewear subsidy

Kiwisaver contribution on top of remuneration

A range of employee-led networks you can join

We support career and skill development.

We have a number of internal communities of practise that support the delivery of large complex capabilities for the Defence Force.

Before you apply

Working within our environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.

Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years OR

Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility :

Please direct any queries regarding this role to

We will not consider applications emailed to this address.

Applications close : 19 November

• at 5pm

Reference #

Posted on 05 Nov

Closes on 19 Nov

Location(s) Wellington

Expertise Project Management, Research & Evaluation

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