Principal Building Structural Engineer

About the role

Jacobs is looking for a Principal Building Structural Engineer to join its expanding ANZ Cities & Places Building Structures team. This role supports major multi-disciplinary built environment work across sectors such as health, water, power, transportation and related areas. The position can be based in either Christchurch or Auckland, and applicants from both locations are welcome.

Jacobs describes its purpose as solving complex global challenges and turning ideas into outcomes that improve cities, environments, critical operations, scientific progress and advanced manufacturing.

What you will do

• Set the standard for delivering strong structural engineering results for both internal teams and external clients.
• Help lead projects by working alongside Project Managers, Design Managers and Discipline Leads to keep delivery on track.
• Promote innovation, digital capability, client satisfaction and commercial performance.
• Develop effective working relationships across regions to strengthen collaboration and support global integrated delivery.
• Provide leadership that reflects Jacobs’ core values and its Culture of Caring.
• Keep health, safety and wellbeing central for colleagues and project stakeholders.
• Work with clients, support strategic bids and help drive business growth.
• Represent the discipline as a respected industry leader with a forward-looking mindset.

What you need

The ideal candidate brings a relevant engineering degree, with CPEng or an equivalent professional/chartered status highly valued. You should have substantial experience in the built environment sector, including end-to-end delivery of building projects from concept through to construction.

A strong track record across sectors such as health, water, transportation and data centres is important, along with advanced technical capability in structural design, coordination and digital delivery. The role also calls for proven leadership, the ability to influence multidisciplinary outcomes, confidence in building client relationships, and a collaborative, solution-focused communication style.

Working style and culture

Jacobs places strong emphasis on safety, flexibility, inclusion and belonging. The company offers flexible working arrangements, wellbeing support, and opportunities to contribute through giving and volunteering initiatives. The workplace culture encourages diverse perspectives, learning and innovation, and supports employee communities and networks.

Employee benefits

Benefits mentioned for employees include paid parental leave, a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access fertility and IVF treatment, adoption and surrogacy support, and menopause and Low T treatment support. Additional wellbeing resources are also provided to support physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.

Cultural support

Māori and Pasifika candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs supports cultural safety during interviews, and Māori and Pasifika applicants may invite a whanau member, family member or cultural representative to join the interview panel by informing the recruiter during the application process.

Accessibility and recruitment support

If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during recruitment, including an application form in another format, you can contact the Careers Support team.