Technical Director - Geotechnical Engineering
AECOMCompany Description
Come grow with us.
Delivering resilient infrastructure in complex ground conditions requires deep technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration across disciplines. From major transport routes to water, energy, and civil projects, our Geotechnical team helps clients solve some of the most technically challenging projects across New Zealand and around the world.
At AECOM, we work with clients across the entire project life cycle — from feasibility and concept design through to construction support and asset optimisation.
Job Description
Provide strategic technical leadership and practice direction as a Technical Director – Geotechnical Engineering, leading the delivery of complex geotechnical infrastructure projects across Auckland and New Zealand. You will contribute senior-level geotechnical expertise across transport, energy and water infrastructure projects while strengthening client relationships, growing market presence, and mentoring technical teams across the business.
This is a highly client-facing leadership role focused on technical excellence, business development, and growing AECOM’s Ground Engineering capability across New Zealand.
- Lead the technical delivery of major geotechnical projects across New Zealand
- Provide specialist expertise across soft ground engineering, slope stability, retaining structures, deep excavations, foundations and ground improvement.
- Deliver technical advice across transport, water and power infrastructure projects
- Lead geotechnical design development and co-ordination, and construction support activities across the full project lifecycle
- Provide technical leadership across numerical modelling approaches for earthquake and wider geotechnical engineering applications
- Be a senior reviewer and technical verifier for complex geotechnical deliverables
- Build and strengthen key client relationships and identify future opportunities
- Lead business development activities including proposals, tender interviews, and strategic pursuits
- Mentor and develop technical teams, supporting professional growth and knowledge sharing across local and global teams
Qualifications
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a great fit for this role. Please apply — all applications will be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or eligibility to obtain CPEng
- 20+ years’ experience in geotechnical engineering or related consulting environments.
- 10+ years leading geotechnical design of preferably NZTA and other major infrastructure projects
- Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across transport, water and energy sectors
- Strong technical expertise across soft ground engineering, slope stability and earthworks, retaining structures and deep excavations, ground improvement, earthquake engineering, numerical analysis, and foundations
- Demonstrated capability as a lead reviewer, verifier, or specialist technical advisor on major projects
- Strong technical leadership, commercial acumen, and client relationship skills
- Proven success managing complex projects, including technical quality, programme delivery, budget, and client outcomes
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Knowledge of New Zealand geotechnical design practices and infrastructure delivery environments
- Active industry profile through technical leadership, professional networks, publications, or conference presentations
Additional Information
Why you’ll love working with us
- Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
- Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
- Volunteer and representation leave
- Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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Everyone belongs at AECOM
We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.