Technical Principal Engineer - Water

Overview

Join WSP in Hamilton, Waikato as a Technical Principal Engineer specializing in water infrastructure. In this senior leadership role within our national Water Division, you will drive technical excellence across water and wastewater projects regionally and nationally. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to landmark projects impacting Kirikiriroa Hamilton and the broader Waikato, shaping sustainable urban and environmental futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and technical review of studies, plans, and reports, engaging in public consultations and providing strategic advice on complex water and wastewater projects.
• Serve as a recognized WSP technical expert on large pipeline design including trenchless installation, pump stations, and underground structures, delivering technical input for proposals and projects.
• Ensure financial objectives are met by managing budgets that maximize revenue and control costs effectively.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary technical reviews for complex water infrastructure projects to ensure quality and soundness of solutions.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant standards, legislation, codes, and best practices in water infrastructure engineering.
• Support project managers in project scoping with clear deliverables, implementation plans, and verification processes.
• Lead design activities, oversee day-to-day guidance and reviews to produce robust, future-proof solutions aligned with client and community needs.
• Provide commercial leadership, managing contracts, risks, variations, cash flow, and relationships with sub-consultants.
• Deliver project design packages timely, ensuring quality and value for money.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years' civil or water infrastructure engineering experience, with deep knowledge of New Zealand engineering standards and regulations.
• Registration as Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or actively pursuing it.
• Strong commercial skills managing budgets, risks, and contracts.
• Extensive design and construction/supervision experience in water supply and wastewater systems, including pipelines, pump stations, and treatment facilities.
• Preferably over 10 years in design delivery disciplines and minimum 5 years in a technical leadership role within infrastructure design.
• Valid, clean full driver’s license.

About You

A highly regarded engineering professional who combines technical expertise with leadership ability. You thrive in balancing strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving and enjoy mentoring teams to realize impactful solutions on schedule and budget.

Additional Information

WSP is committed to creating positive, long-lasting contributions to communities. Our New Zealand team is part of a global network of over 69,000 professionals. We are recognized among the top employers in New Zealand and listed in TIME’s 2023 top 100 global companies for employees.

This role includes potential people leadership opportunities according to your career goals. Applications are reviewed continuously and early applications are encouraged.