Aurecon named Australia’s most popular engineering company for fifth year
Aurecon secures its fifth consecutive 'Most Popular Engineering Employer' award and ranks 9th overall in the 2026 AFR & SEEK Top 100 Graduate Employers.
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Leah Meehan didn’t plan on becoming an engineering geologist, but one elective at university changed everything. She joined Aurecon as a student engineering geologist intern in 2022, returned for a second summer, and stepped into a graduate role in 2025.
Now part of Aurecon’s Transport team in Tauranga, Leah works on ground investigations across New Zealand, combining hands-on site work, travel and practical problem-solving as she builds her career from the ground up.
"Try your best at everything and ask for help as much as you can, because everyone has knowledge to share."
I studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology at the University of Canterbury. To be honest, I barely knew the subject existed before going to uni. I started out studying engineering and wasn’t enjoying it much, so I took an elective in geology and loved it.
I enjoyed being able to get outside and be more hands-on. Less maths was also a huge plus. The field trips were interesting and fun, and that’s what made me realise I could actually see myself doing this as a career.
I joined Aurecon as an engineering geologist intern for two summers in the Tauranga office, then started as a graduate in February 2025 with the same team.
Over the two internships, I got a great mix of site-based work using hand augers and carrying out practical ground investigations, along with time in the office. Having exposure to both sides of the role set me up well for going full time, as I understood what site life involved and what happens behind the scenes in delivering a project.
Since starting full time, my projects have taken me all over New Zealand, from Dunedin to north of Auckland, including places I had never been before like Greymouth and Palmerston North. The travel and variety have definitely been highlights.
With most challenges that come up, I just think there is a way to get it done – I guess I am optimistic like that. If something is in the way, I look at how we can adjust the approach to make it work. Things change a lot, especially on site, so you have to stay flexible and not get too set on one plan.
I like to get things done, but I have learnt to slow down and think things through. Regular feedback has also helped me grow. At first it felt intimidating, but now I see it as a normal part of improving my work and building confidence.
My day to day changes a lot, which I enjoy. As an engineering geologist, I spend a significant amount of time on site working with contractors and drillers. That means being outside in all weather and travelling often. Most of my projects involve ground investigations for rail, road and building projects.
I oversee boreholes, test pits and hand augers, carry out testing, and log soil and rock, so there is definitely a lot of touching dirt. Every site is different. Some are on the side of the road, some have multiple contractors present, and some are in random paddocks with cows.
When I am back in the office, I work on geotechnical reports, create site maps and plans in ArcGIS, and occasionally get involved in simple geotechnical design tasks. Because I am away a lot, I try to get involved in social club and Limelight events when I am in the office. It is nice to reconnect with people after being away for a few weeks.
In the office, I have worked on improving my ArcGIS skills and my report writing. I have also completed a simple geotechnical design, which was challenging and required me to learn new software.
On site is where a lot of real problem-solving happens. There can be access issues, landowner concerns or services in the way. Sometimes a testing location needs to be moved or cancelled. In those situations, I work through alternative options and check in with someone more experienced to confirm the new approach. I tend to approach challenges with the mindset that there is always a way to make it work – it might just require adjusting the plan. You learn quickly that being adaptable is essential.
The best part is definitely site work. It is hard work, but I enjoy being outdoors and working hands-on with the ground conditions we are investigating.
The biggest challenge has been confidence. On site, contractors and drillers often look to me for direction or answers. I have had to learn to be more sure of myself and communicate clearly. That also means making sure I have the right information from project managers before giving guidance. Knowing when to ask for help has been a big lesson.
Limelight has been a great way to connect with other early careers professionals in the office and across the country.
At the beginning of 2025, our Tauranga Limelight leader left, and I stepped into the role. Organising activities and events while travelling frequently has been a bit of a learning curve, but it has helped build my confidence in public speaking and taking initiative.
We regularly organise lunches and coffees, and a highlight was travelling to Auckland for the GHD Young Professionals Ball. It helped me feel part of a wider cohort.
My team culture is quite chill, and the Tauranga office is relaxed. Everyone is friendly and up for a chat or a laugh, even though we are all busy. If I have a question or need help, someone is always available.
Across the business, I would describe the culture as friendly and welcoming. I have visited every office in New Zealand this year, and each time, people have introduced themselves and said hello, from grads to senior leaders. That openness makes it much easier to settle in and feel supported.
My main hobby is playing hockey. I have played throughout uni and was determined to keep playing once I started working full time.
I also enjoy running, hiking and going to the gym. I like staying active and getting outdoors. If I am feeling more relaxed, I enjoy reading, and if it is a nice day I will head to the beach or a lake.
I would tell myself not to be so nervous and not to worry about being perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, especially as a grad, and that is how you learn.
Try your best at everything and ask for help as much as you can, because everyone has knowledge to share. I would also say yes to opportunities, whether it is a social event or a project to work on.
Do it! Do not undersell yourself. If you think you do not know enough or are not good enough, that is not true. Most of the work I do now I learnt while at Aurecon, not at uni.
It is a great experience, and you will grow faster than you expect, both technically and personally.
Aurecon secures its fifth consecutive 'Most Popular Engineering Employer' award and ranks 9th overall in the 2026 AFR & SEEK Top 100 Graduate Employers.
Flexible work practices help Aurecon’s teams maintain better mental health and performance, and supports an adaptable working environment.
Aurecon surveyed a network of its millennial and graduate workforce to assess their views on skills and employability in the engineering industry.
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