Principal Dams Engineer

Build a Life in New Zealand. Lead Major Dams Projects. Shape an Industry.

At Tonkin + Taylor, our purpose is simple: together, we create and sustain a better world.

As New Zealand's leading engineering and environmental consultancy, we have been at the forefront of dam engineering for more than 60 years. Our work spans water supply, hydropower, flood management, irrigation, and energy storage projects across New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, and internationally.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Dams Engineer to join our growing dams practice in New Zealand to take a leading role in delivering technically challenging nationally and internationally significant projects.

This is more than a technical leadership position. It is an opportunity to influence the future of dam engineering in New Zealand, develop your professional reputation, and become a recognised leader within a highly respected and collaborative industry.

We are open to candidates from around the world and offer comprehensive relocation and visa support for the right person.

Why Consider New Zealand?

New Zealand offers a unique combination of career opportunity and quality of life.

Imagine working on major infrastructure projects while enjoying world-class outdoor recreation, short commutes, vibrant cities, and easy access to beaches, mountains, lakes, and national parks.

Whether you’re currently based in Canada, South Africa, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, or elsewhere, New Zealand offers the chance to build a rewarding career without sacrificing lifestyle.

For experienced dam engineers, New Zealand offers strong professional opportunity. With dam safety regulations evolving, major investment in critical infrastructure, and real opportunity to shape industry practice and standards, it is an exciting place to build your career.

We'll support your move every step of the way with visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, and a structured settlement plan to help you and your family establish yourselves successfully in New Zealand.

The Opportunity

As Principal Dams Engineer, you will be a senior technical leader within our dams practice, providing specialist expertise across the full lifecycle of dam projects.

You will:

• Lead the delivery of complex dam engineering projects across New Zealand and internationally.
• Provide specialist technical input into investigations, assessments, design, construction, upgrades, and dam safety management.
• Mentor and develop emerging engineers and technical specialists.
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to industry development through thought leadership, technical publications, industry committees, and professional engagement.
• Help shape the future direction and growth of Tonkin + Taylor's dam’s practice.

This role offers a genuine pathway to becoming one of New Zealand's recognised leaders in dam engineering, with opportunities to influence industry standards and contribute to national dam safety initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• 20+ years of dam engineering experience
• Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Chartered Professional Engineer status or equivalent international registration.
• Experience in formal dam safety management is an advantage.
• Strong technical expertise across dam investigations, design, construction, upgrades, and dam safety management
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A desire to mentor others and contribute to the advancement of the profession.

Why Join Tonkin + Taylor?

• Generous relocation package and visa sponsorship
• Dedicated relocation and settlement support for you and your family
• Work on nationally significant and technically complex projects
• Opportunity to become a recognised industry leader in New Zealand.
• Employee-owned consultancy with a strong reputation for technical excellence
• Supportive and collaborative culture that values autonomy, mastery, and purpose
• Professional memberships and ongoing professional development
• Internal technical training and mentoring programmes
• Annual wellbeing allowance and wellbeing programme
• Active social club and inclusive workplace culture

Tonkin + Taylor is New Zealand's leading engineering and environmental consultancy, proudly employee-owned and committed to creating and sustaining a better world.

Our dams team is recognised nationally and internationally for technical excellence and innovation. Our specialists contribute to NZSOLD and ICOLD committees, help shape dam safety policy and guidance, and play a leading role in the development of dam engineering practice across New Zealand.

Interested?

Apply now or contact Emily Carroll at Sign in to view email for a confidential discussion.

Know Someone Who Might Be Interested?

We welcome referrals of experienced dams engineers who may be well suited to this opportunity. A referral reward is available for introductions that lead to a successful appointment.

At Tonkin + Taylor, our value "Everyone Matters" is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed, valued, and supported.