Principal Designer - Roads & Highways

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Designer - Roads & Highways Company: SMEC Location: Auckland, New Zealand Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Engineering Design Operations / Infrastructure Design Date Posted: August 11, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and development of major transport civil infrastructure projects, focusing on Roads & Highways.
• Drive the production of high-quality design documentation and drawings using specialized CAD and modeling software.
• Mentor and manage project teams, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Apply advanced civil design principles and problem-solving skills to deliver innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in shaping infrastructure projects, requiring a blend of technical design leadership, team management, and client-facing responsibilities within the civil engineering and infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the geometric design and development of transport civil infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with project requirements.
• Oversee and contribute to the production of design drawings and documentation from concept through to construction, adhering to Transport Authority Standards.
• Manage and mentor junior designers and project teams, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring high-quality output.
• Apply advanced knowledge of civil design principles and specialist drafting software (e.g., 12D, Open Roads) to solve complex design challenges.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure project objectives are met and client expectations are managed effectively.
• Ensure all design work complies with relevant New Zealand Resource Management Act (RMA) legislation and local authority standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and the adoption of emerging technologies like BIM and Virtual Reality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on leading the design process for road and highway projects, emphasizing technical proficiency in specific software and a strong understanding of the project lifecycle from concept to construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related field is typically expected for a Principal Designer role, though extensive practical experience can sometimes substitute.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil infrastructure design, with a strong emphasis on road and highway projects.
• Proven track record in mentoring and managing project teams, demonstrating leadership and project oversight capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in producing design documentation to Transport Authority Standards, covering the entire project lifecycle from concept to construction.

Required Skills:

• Civil Infrastructure Design: Deep understanding of principles for road and highway design, including geometric design, earthworks, drainage, and pavement design.
• CAD Technologies: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Microstation, and specialized road design software like 12D, Open Roads, and 3D modeling.
• NZ RMA Legislation: Familiarity with New Zealand's Resource Management Act and its implications for infrastructure projects.
• Problem Solving & Analytic Skills: Ability to analyze complex design problems, interpret data, and develop effective solutions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for client interaction, team coordination, and report writing.
• Mentoring & Team Management: Experience in guiding and developing junior engineering and design staff.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and Virtual Reality applications in design.
• Knowledge of specific New Zealand transport authority design standards and practices.
• Project management experience or certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 10+ years of experience, combined with specific software proficiencies and knowledge of NZ legislation, indicates a senior role requiring significant technical and leadership expertise in the infrastructure design domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing leadership in the design of significant transport civil infrastructure projects, specifically roads and highways.
• Include case studies highlighting the application of 12D, Open Roads, or similar specialist software in complex design scenarios.
• Present examples of design documentation produced to recognized Transport Authority Standards, illustrating adherence to quality and compliance.
• Provide evidence of team leadership and mentoring activities, with examples of successful project delivery under your guidance.
• Showcase problem-solving approaches to design challenges, including analysis and interpretation of technical data.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of design workflow development and optimization for road and highway projects.
• Demonstration of how quality assurance and peer review processes were integrated into the design lifecycle.
• Evidence of managing design outputs to meet time and budget allocations, with examples of successful project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial, focusing on leadership in road/highway design, proficiency in specified software, and adherence to standards, demonstrating a candidate's ability to manage and deliver complex infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Principal Designer role with 10+ years of experience in Auckland, New Zealand, the estimated salary range is NZD 140,000 - NZD 180,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialist skills required, and the cost of living in Auckland.

Benefits:

• Global Expertise, Local Insight: Opportunity to work with a global engineering design consultancy with a strong local presence and diverse project portfolio.
• Technical Excellence: Be part of a team renowned for technical prowess and reliable delivery on complex infrastructure challenges.
• Career Opportunities: Access to local and international career growth, upward mobility, and opportunities to work on iconic industry projects.
• Innovation Focus: Support for driving innovation initiatives and embracing emerging technologies (BIM, Virtual Reality).
• Employee Well-being: Benefits package as detailed on SMEC's careers page, likely including health insurance, professional development, and competitive leave entitlements.
• Inclusive Culture: Work within an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible arrangements depending on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar Principal Designer roles in New Zealand's infrastructure sector. Benefits are inferred from company descriptions and typical offerings for senior engineering positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure Development. SMEC is a global leader in providing high-quality engineering consultancy services across various sectors, including transport, water, energy, and property. Company Size: SMEC is part of the Surbana Jurong Group, a large global entity. SMEC itself operates in over 40 countries, indicating a significant global workforce. The New Zealand presence is described as growing rapidly. Founded: SMEC has a history dating back to 1969, with a presence in New Zealand for over 12 years, providing a blend of established expertise and dynamic growth.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Infrastructure division, specifically focusing on Transport.
• The Principal Designer will likely lead a team of geometric designers and CAD technicians working on road and highway projects.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a Design Manager, Project Manager, or a Director within the Infrastructure business unit.
• Close collaboration with other disciplines (e.g., structural, drainage, environmental engineers) and project managers is expected.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes combining global expertise with local insight to deliver tailored solutions.
• Focuses on technical excellence and reliable delivery for complex challenges.
• Embraces emerging technologies like BIM and Virtual Reality to enhance engineering services.
• Prioritizes building long-term client relationships through understanding specific needs and delivering value.

Company Website: smec.com/nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: SMEC positions itself as a globally recognized engineering consultancy with a commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and client relationships, operating within the broad infrastructure sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Designer. This is a senior-level position, indicating significant technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the ability to manage complex projects and teams. It's a role that often serves as a bridge between technical execution and project management. Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or a senior leader within the Infrastructure division, such as a Director or Sector Lead. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of designers and technicians. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, influencing technical design quality, project timelines, and client satisfaction. Effective leadership and design expertise contribute significantly to SMEC's reputation and revenue generation in the infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director, with increased responsibility for project portfolios and business development.
• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of road and highway design or expand into related infrastructure sectors.
• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior staff, and access professional development programs offered by SMEC.
• International Mobility: As part of a global organization, there may be opportunities for international assignments or collaboration on global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Designer role is a senior technical leadership position offering clear pathways for career progression into management, further specialization, or broader project leadership within a global engineering firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in SMEC's Auckland office, which is described as part of a rapidly growing organization. The environment is likely professional, collaborative, and focused on technical project delivery. Office Location(s): Auckland, New Zealand. Specific office details are not provided, but major engineering consultancies typically have modern office spaces conducive to design work and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be office-based, requiring on-site presence in Auckland.
• It will facilitate collaboration with a team of designers, engineers, and project managers.
• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially advanced visualization tools (BIM, VR) is expected.
• The environment supports professional development and knowledge sharing among experienced colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• Standard professional working hours are anticipated, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of project-based work in infrastructure may require flexibility to meet deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is standard for a senior engineering role in a consultancy, emphasizing office-based collaboration and access to industry-standard design tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on civil design principles, software proficiency (12D, Open Roads), project experience, and problem-solving capabilities. Candidates may be asked to discuss specific design challenges from their past.
• Team/Manager Interview: Assessment of leadership, mentoring skills, communication style, and cultural fit within the SMEC team. This may involve discussing team management strategies and collaboration approaches.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present key projects from their portfolio, explaining their role, design decisions, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Emphasis will be on demonstrating leadership and technical expertise.
• Final Interview (potentially): With a senior leader or director to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase projects where you led design teams and mentored junior staff.
• Showcase Technical Depth: Select examples demonstrating complex road/highway design challenges and your solutions using 12D, Open Roads, or similar.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs on project success (e.g., efficiency improvements, cost savings, meeting stringent timelines).
• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the brief, your role, the design process, key technical aspects, challenges, and the final outcome.
• Demonstrate NZ Context: Include projects relevant to NZ legislation and Transport Authority Standards if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design scenarios or past project challenges in detail.
• Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Familiarize yourself with current trends and best practices in road and highway design, including digital engineering tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical design skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to present past work effectively through a portfolio. Preparation should focus on demonstrating expertise in specialized software and project leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 12D Model: A key software for civil engineering design, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, used for terrain modeling, road design, drainage, and surveying data integration.
• Open Roads (Bentley Systems): A comprehensive design solution for transportation projects, offering advanced 3D modeling capabilities for roads, bridges, and drainage systems.
• AutoCAD: Industry-standard 2D and 3D design software for general drafting and design documentation.
• Microstation (Bentley Systems): Another widely used CAD platform in infrastructure projects, often used in conjunction with other Bentley solutions.
• 3D Modelling Software: General proficiency in creating and manipulating 3D models for visualization and design validation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as primary tools for this design role, an understanding of how design data integrates with project management and financial reporting systems would be beneficial. This could involve using project management software and data analysis tools to track design progress against budgets.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but familiarity with project management or client relationship management systems used within the consultancy could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in 12D and Open Roads is critical for this role, alongside strong foundational skills in AutoCAD and Microstation, reflecting the specialized software requirements for modern road and highway design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A core value, emphasizing high standards in engineering design and problem-solving.
• Client Focus: Building strong, long-term relationships by understanding and meeting client needs.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and creative approaches to deliver better solutions.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams and across disciplines to achieve project goals.
• Integrity: Upholding professional standards and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.
• Global Reach, Local Insight: Combining international best practices with an understanding of local contexts.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with other designers, engineers, project managers, and potentially external stakeholders.
• A mentoring approach is valued, encouraging knowledge sharing and the development of junior team members.
• Emphasis on clear communication and teamwork to ensure seamless project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: SMEC's culture appears to value technical expertise, client satisfaction, and innovation, fostering a collaborative environment where professionals can grow and contribute to significant projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Balancing multiple design streams, tight deadlines, and demanding client expectations on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Adopting New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating emerging design technologies (BIM, VR) into established workflows.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and ensuring adherence to New Zealand's specific planning legislation (RMA) and transport authority standards.
• Team Development: Effectively mentoring and leading a diverse team of designers to maintain high performance and foster professional growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training on 12D, Open Roads, BIM, and other relevant design software and methodologies.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of advancements in road and highway design.
• Leadership Development Programs: SMEC likely offers programs to enhance leadership, project management, and client management skills for senior staff.
• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of iconic and challenging projects, providing diverse learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges, embrace technological advancements, and develop leadership skills within a supportive and growth-oriented global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to leading the design of a major highway project. What are the key considerations from concept to construction?" (Focus on process, risk management, and quality assurance).
• Software Proficiency: "Can you walk us through a complex design scenario where you utilized 12D or Open Roads to overcome a significant challenge? What were the specific features you leveraged?" (Be ready to discuss specific functions and problem-solving).
• Leadership & Mentoring: "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Describe a situation where you had to guide a team through a difficult project phase." (Highlight your leadership style and team development approach).
• Client Management: "How do you ensure client expectations are met and managed effectively throughout a project lifecycle, particularly when dealing with design changes or constraints?" (Emphasize communication, proactive management, and delivering value).

Company & Culture Questions:

• SMEC Alignment: "What aspects of SMEC's work and culture appeal to you, and how do you see yourself contributing to our team?" (Research their projects and values).
• Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among design professionals." (Showcase your ability to work effectively with others).
• Innovation: "How do you stay updated with new technologies in civil design, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical skills (especially with 12D/Open Roads), and experience with similar project types.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline:
  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Your Role & Responsibilities (emphasizing leadership)
  • Key Design Challenges & Solutions
  • Software Utilized (12D, Open Roads, etc.)
  • Outcomes & Impact (e.g., Met deadlines, stayed within budget, achieved design goals)
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to illustrate the success of your contributions and the projects you led.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about specific design decisions, technical challenges, and team dynamics within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating technical expertise, demonstrating leadership through past project examples, and aligning personal values with SMEC's culture and operational methodologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Designer position:

• Submit your application via the "Apply Now" link on the SMEC careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant road and highway design projects, specifically highlighting your leadership, technical proficiency in 12D/Open Roads, and experience with NZ standards. Prepare a concise presentation or summary of 2-3 key projects.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly emphasizes your 10+ years of experience, leadership in design teams, proficiency in required software, and any experience with NZ RMA legislation. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review civil design principles, 12D/Open Roads functionalities, and be ready to discuss case studies from your portfolio in detail. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach.
• Research SMEC: Understand their recent projects, values, and the broader infrastructure market in New Zealand to effectively discuss your fit with the company during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.