Principal Engineer Asset Planning, Networks

• Key systems - level role in the leadership of long-term planning and investment priorities
• Systems - level strategic planning
• Based in our Petone office close to the train station, beach and shops

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week

The remuneration range for this role is $117,099 to $165,316 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience

The opportunity

Lead the long-term planning that shapes the future of our region’s water networks. As Principal Engineer Asset Planning, Networks, you’ll operate at the systems level – understanding how our networks behave, where risks accumulate, and how investment decisions today influence performance and resilience decades into the future.

You’ll be responsible for developing Network Management Plans and turning complex risk, performance, and growth challenges into clear, future-focused investment strategies. This role is central to ensuring our planning is evidence‑based, environmentally responsible, and aligned with regulatory expectations.

Working closely with operational and technical teams, you’ll guide critical investigations, champion robust decision-making, and influence the long-term evolution of our networks. If you want to provide senior technical leadership and make a tangible impact on how our infrastructure performs and adapts over time this is your opportunity.

About You

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• 12+ years in in water infrastructure planning
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Civil) or a related discipline
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical workstreams
• Recognised expertise in water network engineering, asset lifecycle planning, and hydraulic/process modelling
• Strong stakeholder engagement and technical leadership experience
• A Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or working towards this

Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our Benefits Include

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.

Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Monday 8 June 2026

How To Apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here

To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: ***email_hidden***

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.