Principal Process Engineer

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

• Join us in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch — we're flexible on location.

Our award-winning process team are committed to protecting our environment for future generations through innovative water and wastewater treatment solutions. Our work directly impacts the health of our environment and communities locally and globally. We are looking for a passionate technical leader to drive our next generation of process engineering excellence.

As our
Senior Associate/Principal Process Engineer
, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to develop sustainable solutions for our client's water and wastewater challenges. This role offers you the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the water and wastewater industry across New Zealand and Australia, whilst mentoring and coaching the next generation of engineers and technologists. Jacobs actively support involvement in professional organisations such as Water New Zealand, Engineering NZ, and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and encourage leadership roles within the engineering community.

In this role you'll get to

• Lead process design and optimisation for complex water and wastewater treatment projects
• Manage and deliver both large, complex projects and diverse smaller initiatives for industrial, central government, and local government clients
• Provide technical leadership and specialist input into multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Work closely with our NZ Water leadership team to develop and navigate the direction of the team
• Work on projects across New Zealand and Australia
• Connect with our global experts and communities of practice
• Represent Jacobs technical expertise with clients and at industry forums

Here's what you'll need

• Qualified Chemical/Process Engineer with professional recognition
• Possess 15+ years of progressive experience in water and wastewater treatment engineering
• Bring significant technical delivery management experience with diverse client types
• Show genuine passion for environmental protection and sustainability
• Excel at leading technical teams with diverse skills and experience

People are Jacobs' greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you'd expect, NZ employees also receive free health insurance and life insurance cover, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and financial assistance with fertility healthcare and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs.

We're happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business. We're open to considering candidates who need to work around school drop-offs/pick-ups or those interested in full-time/part-time job-sharing arrangements - we understand the importance of balancing work commitments with family responsibilities.

Jacobs. A world where you can.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption, and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Cultural Support
Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you'll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.