Designer - Roads & Highways

About SMEC

SMEC is an international engineering design consultancy operating in more than 40 countries, combining worldwide expertise with local knowledge to create solutions suited to the needs of Australia and New Zealand. Backed by SJ Group, the business draws on a network of 16,000+ specialists across engineering, planning, design, project management, and advisory services. Its standing is supported by global recognition, including ENR rankings of #24 among the Top 225 International Design Firms and #5 in Australia/Oceania.

The company is growing strongly across transport, energy, water, and urban development, and is expanding opportunities in resilient networks, sustainable mobility, and major city-shaping projects across Australia and New Zealand. The culture is collaborative and inclusive, with an emphasis on technical excellence, professional development, leadership, and access to major projects and specialist expertise.

Role Overview

SMEC is looking for a Designer - Roads & Highways to support transport infrastructure delivery across New Zealand. This role is suited to someone who enjoys practical problem-solving, close teamwork, and producing accurate, high-quality engineering outputs in a multidisciplinary setting. You will contribute to complex projects while continuing to strengthen your technical capability.

Key Responsibilities

The role focuses on producing road and highway design deliverables that meet technical, client, and quality expectations. You will work with design and drafting tools, contribute to documentation and reviews, and help ensure that project outcomes are coordinated, compliant, and delivered on time.

Technical Delivery

• Produce roads and highways design outputs that align with technical standards, client needs, and SMEC quality requirements.
• Create drawings, models, and technical documentation using established design and drafting methods, with 12d and AutoCAD as the main platforms.
• Support design reports, technical documentation, and peer review activities.
• Work in line with New Zealand standards, client specifications, and HSEQ requirements.

Collaboration and Project Support

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to support accurate, timely, and well-integrated project delivery.
• Assist engineers and senior designers in developing practical, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders to keep deliverables aligned.
• Manage work against deadlines and budgets while maintaining accuracy and limiting rework.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in design processes, tools, and delivery performance.

About You

You are a detail-focused designer with a strong interest in transport infrastructure and a solid background in roads and highways design. You work well with others, take pride in quality output, and are keen to keep developing your technical knowledge.

Experience and Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in roads and highways design within a consulting or infrastructure setting.
• Strong capability in 12d as the main design software; experience with Civil 3D or OpenRoads will be an advantage.
• Hands-on experience preparing AutoCAD drawings, design models, and supporting technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of relevant New Zealand transport and road design standards.
• Exposure to concept, reference, and detailed design stages.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Ability to support or mentor other designers within project teams will be looked upon positively.

Additional Information

SMEC values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates across all backgrounds. The organisation promotes a supportive environment that recognises individual contribution, encourages career growth, and provides opportunities to work on meaningful projects that contribute to the future of the business and the wider industry.

The company also highlights its gender-balanced and diverse representation across technical, project delivery, and leadership roles, along with access to professional networks, role models, mentorship, and sponsorship programmes that support progression and an inclusive workplace culture.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Interested candidates should follow the prompts in the application system. For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Carl Thiedeke at [email protected]. Further information about the company is available on its careers page.

Recruitment for this position is managed internally, and agency involvement is not required. Unsolicited resumes sent directly to employees or managers will not be accepted, and no associated fees will be recognised.

Company Culture

SMEC, as part of Surbana Jurong, emphasises talent, effort, teamwork, and a collaborative, enjoyable workplace to solve problems creatively and make a positive impact.