Principal Water Engineer

**Company Description** **Work with Us. Change the World.** At AECOM, our work in providing access to clean water enables communities to thrive and ecosystems to flourish, contributing to a resilient future. As a global leader in infrastructure consulting, we are at the forefront of significant water projects, with over 6,000 of the industry’s best minds driving innovation and technical excellence. Together, we develop solutions that are not only best in the world, but best for the world. With an acceleration in infrastructure investment, your bold ideas and global expertise have never been more crucial. Join our dynamic team, where innovation, career growth, and collaboration are celebrated. Enjoy the freedom to grow with customisable career paths, water-specific technical and professional development and the potential to contribute. **Job Description** Join AECOM in this technical leadership role supporting the delivery of critical water infrastructure projects across Wellington and the wider region. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role during a period of transformation in the water sector, while also contributing to the continued growth and capability of the local Wellington team. In this role, you will act as a senior technical leader across a range of three waters projects, providing guidance and oversight on design, engineering solutions, and complex project challenges. You will be the go-to person for technical queries, ensuring high-quality, fit-for-purpose outcomes aligned with client requirements, industry standards, and best practice. You will build and maintain strong relationships with key Wellington water clients and stakeholders, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor. This includes supporting clients through the transition to new water service entities and helping navigate evolving regulatory and investment environments. Working closely with local team members, you will champion project delivery excellence—balancing technical quality, commercial outcomes, and client expectations. You will also collaborate with AECOM’s wider network of technical experts and design teams across New Zealand and globally, bringing leading-edge solutions into local projects. In addition, you will play an important role in developing the Wellington team by mentoring engineers, supporting their technical growth, and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team environment. + Act as the primary technical authority for three waters projects, offering guidance on design, engineering solutions, and complex problem-solving. + Ensure technical outputs are robust, compliant, and aligned with industry standards, while supporting successful project delivery from concept through to completion. + Build and maintain strong relationships with local councils, water service entities, and other stakeholders. + Provide clear, practical technical advice and strategic input, supporting clients through changing sector structures and helping shape long-term infrastructure outcomes. + Champion high-quality project outcomes by working closely with internal delivery teams across New Zealand and AECOM’s global network. + Support coordination between disciplines, ensure alignment with client expectations, and contribute to strong commercial and technical performance across projects. + Work alongside the local leadership team to grow capability within the Wellington office. + Mentor and guide engineers at all levels, share technical expertise, and foster a collaborative team culture focused on learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. **Qualifications** The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered. You will be an experienced technical lead, known for your problem-solving ability and deliver of complex technical requirements across critical three waters and related projects. + A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering or an industry-recognised project management qualification with an engineering background. + At least 10 years of professional experience, ideally as a Principal Engineer within the New Zealand three-water sector including a track record of complex project delivery. + Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive client relationships, as well as with internal delivery teams. + Commercial acumen and judgement with the ability to deliver results ensuring scope and quality outcomes, with tight timeframes and client budgets. **Additional Information** **Why you’ll love working with us** + Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options + 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. **Learn more about life at AECOM:** LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more! **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. **ReqID:** J10145107 **Business Line:** Water **Business Group:** DCS **Strategic Business Unit:** ANZ **Career Area:** Engineering **Work Location Model:** Hybrid