Lead Structural Engineer - Transport

About SMEC

SMEC is a global engineering design consultancy operating in more than 40 countries, combining international expertise with local knowledge to deliver solutions suited to Australia and New Zealand. Backed by a team of 16,000+ specialists through SJ Group, the business works across engineering, planning, design, project management, and advisory services to deliver integrated infrastructure outcomes.

The company has a strong standing in the industry, including ENR rankings of #24 among the Top 225 International Design Firms and #5 in Australia/Oceania. In New Zealand, SMEC has been established for more than 13 years and is looking to expand quickly, creating opportunities for local and overseas career growth.

SMEC delivers transport, energy, water, and urban development projects across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Pacific. Its transport portfolio is growing, particularly in resilient networks, sustainable mobility, and major city-shaping work. Employees join a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports technical excellence, leadership development, and work on nationally significant projects.

The Opportunity

This senior role is for an experienced Lead Structural Engineer to drive the delivery of bridge and civil structures projects across New Zealand. The position combines technical leadership, project delivery, mentoring, client engagement, and support for business growth within the transport sector.

The successful candidate will guide multidisciplinary teams, maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the expansion of SMEC’s structural capability and future workload in New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the design and delivery of bridge and civil structures work from concept through reference and detailed design stages
• Provide senior technical guidance and oversight to multidisciplinary project teams
• Ensure quality, coordination, and alignment between structural and related disciplines
• Develop and sustain trusted relationships with clients, contractors, and industry partners
• Support proposals, commercial contributions, and the identification of new opportunities
• Coach and develop junior engineers and designers to strengthen team capability
• Use sound engineering judgement, innovation, and technical discipline to improve project results
• Help grow SMEC’s structural engineering capacity and workload in New Zealand

What You’ll Bring

• At least 15 years of structural engineering experience, especially in bridge and civil structures
• A relevant degree in structural engineering or a closely related field
• Chartered Engineer status in New Zealand
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery and multidisciplinary design teams
• Strong background in public sector bridge and civil structures projects
• Excellent consulting, commercial, and client-facing skills, including proposal preparation
• Experience with collaborative or alternative delivery approaches such as ECI, D&C, PPP, or alliance models
• A genuine interest in mentoring others and building team capability and project pipeline
• Strong technical and commercial writing ability, with awareness of social, cultural, environmental, and regulatory considerations affecting infrastructure work

Workplace Culture and Additional Information

SMEC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds across engineering and technical disciplines. The organisation promotes a supportive professional setting that recognises individual contribution, encourages career development, and offers opportunities to work on meaningful projects that influence the future of the business and the industry.

The company also highlights gender-balanced and diverse representation across technical, delivery, and leadership roles, along with access to professional networks, role models, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities that support career progression.

Applicants are encouraged even if they do not meet every requirement, as long as they can bring value to the team.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Carl Thiedeke at carl.thiedeke@smec.com.

SMEC requests that candidates do not send resumes directly to employees or managers, as unsolicited applications are not accepted and associated fees will not be recognised. Recruitment is handled through the resourcing function, and agency input is not required for this position.

About the Wider Group

SMEC is part of Surbana Jurong, a group that brings together talent, hard work, teamwork, and a collaborative workplace to solve problems creatively and deliver positive impact.

More Information

To learn more about the company, candidates can visit the SMEC careers page or read additional company information online.