Principal Water Infrastructure Engineer

We are looking for a capable Principal Water Infrastructure Engineer to provide technical leadership across stormwater, wastewater and water supply projects. This role offers the opportunity to apply deep technical expertise to challenging water infrastructure projects, influence solutions from analysis and concept development through to detailed design, and deliver practical outcomes for a diverse client base.

You will play a central role in strengthening our technical capability. As a recognised knowledge leader, you will mentor and train our developing engineers, share proven methods and lessons from your experience, and become a trusted source of technical advice and support. You will also help shape project delivery, build enduring client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of our water infrastructure practice.

This opportunity will suit an experienced engineer who understands how to move complex water infrastructure projects confidently from planning through design and into construction. You will have the autonomy to lead technical work, guide multidisciplinary teams and influence decisions that deliver safe, resilient and practical infrastructure for communities and clients..

About the role

Demonstrate PDP values by delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for clients. Provide technical leadership for project work. Lead investigations, design, tendering, and construction monitoring for complex infrastructure projects. Review and approve technical calculations, designs, reports, and project documentation.

Mentor and support project teams to achieve strong technical outcomes. Manage project delivery to meet scope, budget, timeline, and client expectations. Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality, environmental, and technical standards. Maintain project profitability through effective scope and resource management.

Build strong relationships across teams and contribute to multidisciplinary projects. Support business development, strengthen client relationships, and raise PDP's profile. What you'' bring A degree, in Civil or Environmental Engineering from a well-recognised university. 10+ years’ experience in consulting, with strong knowledge of the New Zealand water sector.

Experience in the analysis and detailed design of stormwater, wastewater, and/or water supply infrastructure. CPEng, equivalent accreditation, or eligibility to obtain certification. Strong technical expertise, judgement, client focus, and commitment to quality project delivery. Proven ability to lead complex water infrastructure investigations and design projects.

Excellent relationship-building, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Sound commercial understanding, including risk, contracts, and financial management. Passion for mentoring and developing others through coaching and knowledge sharing. Demonstrates integrity, fairness, good judgement, and a genuine interest in PDP and its disciplines.

What we offer

Fully subsidised health insurance and income protection Ability to purchase extra annual leave through salary sacrifice Salary top-up for parental leave (all primary carers) Flexible/Hybrid working culture Full professional membership fee cover and continued study support Multiple opportunities to be part of our inclusion, community, and sustainability groups About PDP PDP is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading environmental science, engineering and advisory consultancies.

Guided by our purpose, Today Shapes Tomorrow, we care deeply about delivering solutions for our clients and communities that meet today’s needs, while providing for the future. Join our multi-disciplinary team, and help create innovative and enduring outcomes for people, place, economy, and environment. Application If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your application today. For more information about the role, contact us at careers@pdp.co.nz . We look forward to hearing from you.