Principal Designer

Global Expertise, Local Insight: With a presence in over 40 countries, SMEC combines global knowledge with local understanding to deliver tailored solutions that meet New Zealand's unique needs.
- Technical Excellence: Our team of specialists is renowned for their technical prowess and reliable delivery. From transport infrastructure to energy projects, we tackle the most complex challenges with precision and creativity.
- Be an integral part of a global engineering design consultancy present in NZ for 12+ years looking to grow rapidly, providing plenty of local and international career opportunities and upward mobility.

Unlock the Future with SMEC New Zealand

SMEC provides unique opportunities to work on iconic industry projects with experienced colleagues and leadership teams. We support and empower employees to drive innovation initiatives within a well-established and growing organisation.

Infrastructure

At SMEC, we understand that our continued success within the infrastructure market is the result of building long-term client relationships. We listen and understand the specific needs of our clients and deliver a complete value chain of services to provide sustainable solutions across major infrastructure projects worldwide.

We embrace emerging technologies and innovations, including BIM and Virtual Reality, to deliver robust engineering services across the fields of transport and logistics, water and environment and energy and resources.

The role

We are currently seeking a Principal Designer (Open Roads & 12D) to contribute to the development and production of drawings across transport civil infrastructure projects. This is a permanent role based out of our Auckland office and will take the lead for providing civil engineering solutions to our projects/clients.

The successful Geometric Designer will undertake varied design tasks relating to major transport infrastructure projects with varying scope and complexity. Ensuring the teams output is of a high standard within time and cost budget allocations while ensuring client expectations are met.

You will have developed a sound understanding of civil design principles and specialist drafting software skills such as 12D and Open Roads modelling for the preparation of drawings.
- 10+ years’ experience in a similar role mentoring and managing project teams
- Knowledge and skills in Civil Infrastructure and CAD technologies (AutoCAD, 12D, 3D modelling, Microstation, Open Roads )
- Familiar with NZ RMA legislation
- Clear and effective communication skills
- Problem solving and analytic skills
- Experience in the production of design documentation to Transport Authority Standards (TMR) from concept stage to construction

When you join SMEC, you will have the opportunity to embrace your creativity and drive change across the business. Working with clients and partners, you will be part of an organisation that helps to shape our communities, industries and the global landscape.

Our recent growth has provided new and exciting opportunities for our people, our employees enjoy a consistent flow of significant projects, end-to-end responsibilities and are motivated by meaningful work.

In return, SMEC offers you the benefits that come from working in a global multidisciplinary consultancy in an environment where your fresh ideas and enthusiasm will be welcomed and reward.

Link to benefits:
SMEC is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is a source of strength for our people, our clients, our partners and our communities.

Wrap up

As an inclusive and growing organisation, SMEC is committed to building a global community of talented professionals and


Learn more about SMEC:
How to apply

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Nicholas Fischer-White

To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at

All recruitment activities go through our Resourcing function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world