Drainage Engineer- Transport

About SMEC

SMEC is a global engineering consultancy focused on infrastructure that improves communities and economies. Operating across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific, the company brings together international capability and local understanding to deliver transport, energy, water and urban development projects. As part of SJ Group, SMEC has access to a worldwide network of more than 16,000 professionals across engineering, planning, design, project management and advisory services. The business is also backed by strong international recognition, including ENR rankings among the leading international design firms.

In New Zealand, SMEC has been established for more than 13 years and is growing quickly, creating opportunities for both local and international career development. The team works in a collaborative and inclusive environment with a strong focus on technical quality, professional growth and leadership.

Role overview

SMEC is hiring an experienced Drainage Engineer to lead drainage delivery for transport infrastructure projects across New Zealand. This is a growth-oriented position for a technically capable engineer who can develop practical hard and soft drainage solutions, contribute to project delivery, and support the expansion of the business in the local market.

You will be involved in shaping resilient, integrated drainage outcomes for major infrastructure work and will contribute both technically and commercially across projects and client relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver drainage design and technical outputs for transport infrastructure projects from early concept work through detailed design.
• Review flood modelling inputs, coordinate with other disciplines, and create practical drainage systems that work well within the wider project design.
• Make sure designs comply with relevant New Zealand and regional standards, local planning expectations, cultural considerations, and client requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, written advice, proposals and other client-facing documentation.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to produce coordinated, efficient and high-quality project outcomes.
• Develop and sustain industry relationships that help support project delivery and SMEC’s growth in New Zealand.
• Use strong engineering judgement to improve design quality, project performance and long-term resilience.

What you will bring

• At least 8 years of drainage engineering experience in transport or similar infrastructure projects.
• A degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status in New Zealand, or the ability to achieve it quickly.
• Strong drainage design capability, including flood model interpretation and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience with industry-standard design software; knowledge of 12d is an advantage.
• Exposure to concept, reference and detailed design stages, along with strong written communication for design and drainage management ideas.
• Commercial and client-facing experience, including proposal support and relationship building.
• Awareness of the environmental, regulatory and cultural context for New Zealand infrastructure projects, including engagement with mana whenua perspectives.

Additional information

SMEC welcomes applicants who may not meet every requirement listed, as long as they believe they can add value to the team.

The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. It also promotes a supportive professional environment with opportunities for career growth, recognition of individual contribution, and involvement in meaningful projects.

The workplace includes gender-balanced and diverse representation across technical, delivery and leadership roles, along with access to professional networks, role models, mentorship and sponsorship support.

Applications must be submitted online. For a confidential discussion, contact Carl Thiedeke at carl.thiedeke@smec.com. The company also notes that recruitment is handled through its resourcing function, does not require agency input for this role, and does not accept unsolicited resumes from employees or managers.

SMEC is part of Surbana Jurong, where talent, teamwork, hard work and a positive workplace culture are used to solve problems collaboratively.