Principal Mechanical Engineer - Major Hydro Infrastructure Project

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Principal Mechanical Engineer - Major Hydro Infrastructure Project We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical and team leadership for the design delivery of a large, high-value hydro infrastructure project in a complex EPC-style environment. This is a senior leadership role, with the majority of your time dedicated to leading the mechanical design effort on this landmark project, supported by contributions to a broader portfolio of mechanical projects in the renewable energy sector, primarily hydro generation. While the focus of this role will be the successful delivery of this major project, you will also provide technical oversight and leadership across a range of other mechanical projects within our business, including hydro refurbishments, screening and intake systems, and related renewable energy works. Key responsibilities Lead the overall mechanical design strategy for the major hydro infrastructure project, from concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement support, construction, commissioning, and handover to operational teams. Provide technical leadership across the mechanical design team for the project, setting design standards, reviewing key deliverables, and ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with project requirements and applicable codes. Build and lead a high-performing mechanical design team for the project, mentoring intermediate engineers, developing capability, and embedding robust design processes and quality systems. Develop and maintain an integrated mechanical design programme for the project, aligned to the overall master programme, including critical path management, long-lead equipment identification, and interface coordination across design, fabrication, procurement, and construction. Manage mechanical aspects of the contractual and commercial strategy under FIDIC Yellow Book conditions, including design risk allocation, technical queries, design changes, variations, and support to claims and extensions of time where design is a driver. Coordinate multiple contractors, specialist suppliers, and internal design teams to ensure alignment on mechanical scope, programme, quality, responsibilities, and interfaces with civil, structural, electrical, and automation disciplines. Establish and maintain a formal mechanical interface management framework for the project, including interface registers, ownership boundaries, design assumptions, and escalation pathways for technical and programme issues. Oversee mechanical project controls for the project, including design man-hour forecasting, cost input, risk management, and governance reporting to senior stakeholders and the board. Maintain a strong focus on safety in design, quality assurance, constructability, operability, maintainability, and delivery certainty throughout the project lifecycle. Provide technical oversight and leadership across a smaller portfolio of other mechanical projects in the renewable energy sector, including hydro refurbishments, screening and intake systems, and related works, as required. About you Chartered or equivalent Mechanical Engineer with significant experience in major infrastructure, hydro, water, energy, or industrial projects. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary mechanical design teams in complex, multi-party delivery environments with multiple contractors and consultants. Strong understanding of engineering contracts, particularly in relation to design obligations, technical queries, changes, risk allocation, and change management. Strong commercial and stakeholder management capability, with the ability to balance collaboration, technical rigour, and contractual discipline. Excellent leadership, communication, and governance skills, including experience presenting technical matters to senior stakeholders and boards. Experience in building and developing project design teams, mentoring engineers, and embedding systems and processes for long-term delivery success. Familiarity with 3D modelling, FEA, and advanced analysis is desirable, as is experience with hydro, water, or heavy industrial assets. A genuine interest in the renewable energy and hydro sector, and in contributing to a growing, specialist engineering business. Why this role This is a rare opportunity to take a leadership position on a landmark hydro infrastructure project while also contributing to a broader portfolio of mechanical works in the renewable energy sector. You will play a defining role in shaping the mechanical design delivery of this major project, building a high-performing design team, and helping to establish a capability that can support future major hydro and renewable energy works. #J-18808-Ljbffr