Principal Bridge Engineer

About the Role

Join Jacobs as a Principal Bridge Engineer and play a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand’s infrastructure. Based in Christchurch with potential to work from Auckland or Wellington, you will leverage your advanced expertise to influence diverse infrastructure projects across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. This senior position demands deep technical knowledge in bridge and transportation structures, seismic design, and horizontal infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority providing expert guidance, design review, and official approvals to ensure top-quality project delivery.
• Review, challenge, and innovate on designs while collaborating closely with design teams, clients, and contractors.
• Sign producer statements and provide high-level advice on projects.
• Participate actively in business development by cultivating strong client relationships to attract new projects.
• Work across multiple sectors including roads, rail, water, power, and energy infrastructure.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create integrated and innovative solutions, especially focusing on seismic design.
• Engage with regional technical leaders and represent New Zealand in the global Jacobs Transport Structures forum.
• Contribute broadly to services encompassing conceptual to detailed design of bridges, design checking, construction supervision, inspections, maintenance, and rehabilitation works.
• Provide client advisory services on project planning, scheme development, and procurement processes.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant engineering degree complemented by Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in seismic design aligned with the New Zealand Bridge Manual.
• Auckland Council registration for design sign-off is preferred.
• Comprehensive expertise in bridge engineering and horizontal infrastructure development.
• Established reputation for technical excellence recognized by clients and peers.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver projects across varied infrastructure sectors.
• Effective communication skills supporting client relationship building and mentoring of junior staff.
• History of successful collaboration with constructors to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Work Environment and Culture

Jacobs prioritizes safety, flexibility, and well-being, offering advanced work arrangements to maximize your potential. Employees benefit from global programs supporting physical, emotional, and financial health, including comprehensive family-related support such as paid parental leave and fertility assistance. The company fosters inclusivity and diversity, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences through employee networks and community initiatives. Māori and Pasifika candidates are especially encouraged to apply, with cultural support options during recruitment.

Additional Information

• Hybrid work model balancing office and remote work to ensure a collaborative culture and quality client delivery.
• Jacobs is an employer of choice for gender equality and holds industry-recognized diversity and inclusion accreditations.
• Support available for recruitment process accommodations on request to ensure a fair application experience.