Structural Engineer

2 days ago

Christchurch Central, New Zealand Harper Smith Recruitment Full time

Harper Smith is proud to partner with Eliot Sinclair, a well-established and growing multidisciplinary consultancy based in Christchurch. Known for their down-to-earth culture and practical smarts, Eliot Sinclair is seeking a strong intermediate to senior-level Structural Engineer to join their collaborative team and help shape the next phase of their growth.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced engineer to take the lead on diverse structural projects across the South Island—without the red tape of traditional corporate environments. The role offers real scope for leadership, autonomy, and professional development, all within a team that values integrity, quality, and community impact.

About the Role

The successful candidate will work across a range of residential, commercial, and light industrial developments, as well as civil structures and seismic assessments. This is an end-to-end role encompassing design, documentation, client engagement, and project delivery—with opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to long-term growth. The role is ideal for someone with 4+ years' experience who is confident to take a lead on  projects, mentoring others and strengthen client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the structural design and documentation of residential, commercial, and civil projects
  • Manage jobs through concept, design, consenting, and construction phases
  • Coordinate with junior engineers, drafters, and external consultants
  • Contribute to tenders, proposals, and bid strategy
  • Foster and grow relationships with developers, architects, and councils
  • Help identify and scope new project opportunities
  • Mentor junior and intermediate engineers, supporting both technical and professional growth

About You

  • 7+ years of structural engineering experience (preferably in New Zealand)
  • Proven ability to lead projects and work confidently with clients
  • CPEng (or working towards) with demonstrable leadership in project delivery
  • Strong structural design skills and a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset
  • Familiarity with NZ codes and standards (NZS1170, NZ Building Code, SESOC)
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to build trust with clients and peers
  • A proactive and collaborative approach, with a healthy sense of humour

What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary aligned to experience
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Health insurance and professional development support
  • A clear pathway to leadership in a flat, collaborative structure
  • Diverse and meaningful projects across the South Island

For a confidential discussion, please contact Stephen Smith on from Harper Smith Recruitment or email a copy of your CV to  All enquiries and applications for this role are going exclusively to Harper Smith Recruitment and are treated in strict confidence. Under no circumstances does Harper Smith Recruitment provide information either written or verbally on any candidate to any client without prior approval from the candidate.

Harper Smith Recruitment Ltd is a technical recruitment company specialising in the recruitment, search, and selection of professionals within the Engineering and Construction related industries. Check out our website for further opportunities 

  • Structural Engineer

    1 week ago

    Christchurch Central, New Zealand Project Structure Ltd Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$100,000 per year

    Intermediate Structural EngineerPROJECT STRUCTURE LTD | Christchurch Central, Canterbury, NZProject Structure Ltd is seeking a highly motivated Intermediate Structural Engineer to join our dedicated, small team in Christchurch. If you are passionate about the detail and construction of architectural residential design and are looking for genuine mentorship...

  • Senior Structural Engineer

    2 days ago

    Christchurch Central, New Zealand Harper Smith Recruitment Full time

    We are seeking applications from suitably qualified CPEng Senior Structural Engineers looking to progress their career. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure a senior level position, join a well-respected and significant name in the engineering sector and be a part of the Senior team. With a secure workload across the residential sector, we are seeking...

  • Senior Structural Engineer

    2 days ago

    Christchurch Central, New Zealand Grada Recruitment Full time

    Join a close-knit structural consultancy with a strong reputation across New Zealand for delivering innovative, practical design solutions. The Christchurch team works on a diverse range of commercial, education, and government projects, with strong pipelines and repeat clients. With plans for continued growth and a collaborative culture, this is a great...

  • Structural Engineer

    1 week ago

    Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Kirk Roberts Consulting Full time NZ$90,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    We have a great opportunity for a Structural Engineer to join our Christchurch-based residential team. This is an ideal role for an engineer with solid experience in residential design who is looking to take ownership of projects and work as part of a collaborative and experienced team.If you enjoy technically challenging work, delivering quality outcomes...

  • Principal Structural Engineer

    4 days ago

    Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Damwatch Engineering Ltd Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

    Principal Structural EngineerDamwatch Engineering is currently seeking a Principal Structural Engineer for a full-time role based in Wellington, New Zealand.Damwatch is a specialised engineering consultancy - we focus on dams and associated structures, providing strategic engineering and dam safety services for maintaining and developing dam infrastructure...

  • Structural Engineering Consultant

    1 week ago

    Christchurch Central, New Zealand Batchelar McDougall Consulting Ltd Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    About Batchelar McDougallWe will be 20 next year We've grown from two people in Wānaka in 2006 to 27 today. We are structural specialists with in-house civil capability to ensure the quality of our projects.We have offices in Christchurch and Wānaka and work all over the country on unique projects. From flagship car showrooms to new schools, from $20m...

  • Structural Engineering

    1 week ago

    Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Kirk Roberts Consulting Full time

    Are you a third-year Structural Engineering student ready to swap lecture halls for live projects and theory for teamwork? Good news - we've got just the thing to give your summer (and your career) a serious boost.We're a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy working across Structural, Geotechnical, Civil, Fire and Environmental Engineering. We also...

  • Senior Structural Engineer

    1 week ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Kirk Roberts Consulting Full time

    We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Structural Engineer to join our residential team in Christchurch. If you're an experienced engineer ready for the next step with a passion for mentoring, managing projects, and delivering client-focused solutions, this could be the ideal role for you. You’ll play a pivotal role in guiding our high-performing...

  • Senior Structural Engineer

    2 days ago

    Christchurch Central, New Zealand Grada Recruitment Full time

    If you're looking for a role where you can lead large scale projects (i.e. the biggest in town), mentor younger engineers, and still enjoy the balance that Canterbury life offers, this is a role and business you will want to hear more about.  About the company You'll be joining a highly regarded national consultancy known for smart, practical engineering...

  • Structural Engineer

    1 week ago

    Christchurch Metropolitan Area, New Zealand Mekano Talent Full time NZ$65 - NZ$85 per year

    We're working with a structural engineering consultancy known for its innovative approach, collaborative culture, and commitment to quality. Due to continued growth, they're looking to add talented Structural Engineers to theirChristchurch or Queenstownteams.What you'll be doing:Delivering structural design across a mix of residential, commercial, and...