Principal Dams Engineer

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

With dams being critical assets for water and energy security, our dam engineering services play a key role in achieving this purpose.

For over 60 years, Tonkin + Taylor has been assessing, designing, and monitoring dams across New Zealand, Australia, the Near Pacific, and internationally. We have extensive experience with both large and small dams, serving a range of end uses including hydropower, flood detention, water supply, and energy storage.

Our capabilities span investigation (often in remote and challenging terrains), assessment, design, consenting, construction supervision, and commissioning of new dams and upgrade works. We also provide expertise in ongoing dam safety management, safety reviews, surveillance, regulatory compliance, and decommissioning.

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to make a leading contribution to the delivery of our dam engineering services and support our continued growth in this field.

We are open to locations for the right candidate – with a preference for Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Tauranga, or Christchurch.

Ngā kawenga | What you’ll be doing

• Providing specialist technical input into complex projects, including expertise in investigation, design, and construction of dams and dam upgrades, as well as dam safety management.
• Developing Tonkin + Taylor’s technical reputation and promoting our services to existing and new clients.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of projects, with a focus on leading and delivering multidisciplinary dam engineering projects.

Nā tōu rourou | What you’ll bring

• 20+ years of relevant experience
• A Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent
• Chartered Professional Engineer or equivalent (Recognised Engineer (Dam Safety) desirable but not essential)
• Proven ability to work in and lead multi-disciplinary teams, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders
• Recognition as a leader in the field, ideally through active participation in industry development or thought leadership

Ngā Hua | What We Offer

• Exposure to a wide range of projects, from large-scale to community-focused initiatives
• A supportive team culture that values autonomy, mastery, and purpose
• Professional memberships and continued education support
• Internal training and mentoring programmes
• $750 annual wellbeing allowance and wellbeing programme
• A vibrant social club and inclusive workplace culture

Mō Tō Mātou Āhuatanga | Who We Are

Tonkin + Taylor is New Zealand’s leading engineering and environmental consultancy, known for solving complex challenges with technical excellence. We’re proudly employee-owned, and our mission is to create and sustain a better world.

We are a recognised leader in dam safety and design across New Zealand and globally. Our experts influence industry standards, contribute to NZSOLD and ICOLD committees, and help develop the NZ Dam Safety Guidelines. Recently, we proudly sponsored the NZSOLD ANCOLD 2025 Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where our specialists delivered cutting-edge presentations on dams and stopbanks.

We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. As an Immigration NZ Accredited Employer and a proud member of the Rainbow Tick Whānau, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially speakers of Te Reo Māori or Pacific languages.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now! or contact Amelia Paton ***email_hidden*** for a confidential chat.