Acoustic Technical Lead

John Holland; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Parental leave

Career progression

Learning and development

Job summary

John Holland is leading the Suburban Rail Loop project in Melbourne, seeking an Engineering Lead - Acoustics & Vibration to provide technical leadership across design, analysis, and construction for railway assets.

You will guide modelling, compliance with AS/NZS and ISO standards, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring during construction and commissioning to ensure low-noise and safe operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Acoustic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• Demonstrated years of experience in acoustic and vibration engineering, preferably in rail, transport, or infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in leading acoustic and vibration design for large-scale projects, including underground and above-ground developments.
• Familiarity with relevant Australian and International standards and regulations (e.g., AS/NZS, ISO, EPA guidelines).

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership for acoustic and vibration activities across the Project under the direction of the Engineering Manager.
• Support development, implementation and continuous improvement of acoustic and vibration design criteria, standards and engineering methodologies.
• Support identification, assessment, modelling, and mitigation of construction and operational noise and vibration impacts.
• Coordinate development of acoustic and vibration models for underground stations, tunnels, and above-ground infrastructure.
• Review designs, reports, and specifications to ensure technical robustness and alignment with project requirements.
• Provide guidance to multidisciplinary design teams to resolve complex engineering issues.
• Review construction methodologies and propose practical mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, project requirements, environmental and safety standards.
• Coordinate technical reviews and ensure alignment with project standards and assurance processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and prepare presentations for project management.

Skills

Acoustic engineering

Vibration engineering

Rail infrastructure experience

Leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Degree in Acoustic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We’re all about transforming lives by finding solutions to complex challenges across a wide range of industries including infrastructure, property, rail, building and water projects in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

From the epic, to the intimate, everything we do improves life for someone, somewhere. It gives our business momentum and means we approach things a little differently.

While our competitors talk about what they do, we focus on why we do it. We transform communities to make them easier to move around, more connected and better to live in.

Are you up for the challenge?

About the Project

The Linewide Alliance, comprising John Holland, Alstom, RATP Dev, KBR and WSP, are excited to be delivering the transformative Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East Linewide package.

When SRL opens, the new rail services for passengers will also be delivered by, a venture between RATP Dev and John Holland to operate and maintain the franchise for 15 years from 2035, to be known as TransitLinx.

The Alliance will deliver a world-class, service-proven driverless metro system that sets new benchmarks for comfort, safety, and reliability for Melbourne.

SRL is a transport and urban planning project that will deliver world-class public transport, reduce travel times, and support the delivery of more homes and housing.

About the Role;

The Engineering Lead - Acoustics & Vibration is responsible for providing day-to-day technical leadership and expertise in the design, analysis, and management of acoustic and vibration-related issues across all elements of the railway project.

The role ensures alignment with project objectives, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and effective stakeholder engagement regarding acoustic and vibration impacts.

What you will do;

Technical Leadership:

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership for acoustic and vibration activities across the for the Project under the direction of the Engineering Manager.
• Support the development ,implementation and continuous improvement of acoustic and vibration design criteria, standards and engineering methodologies.
• Support the identification, assessment, modelling, and mitigation of construction and operational noise and vibration impacts.
• Support the Engineering Manager in maintaining engineering governance, technical excellence and delivery performance.

Design & Analysis:

• Coordinate the development of acoustic and vibration models for underground stations, tunnels, and above-ground infrastructure.
• Coordinate and support the the technical review of designs, reports, and specifications provided by consultants and subcontractors, ensuring consistency and technical robustness.
• Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary design teams to resolve complex engineering issues.
• Review construction methodologies and propose practical acoustic and vibration mitigation measures.

Technical Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure all acoustic and vibration engineering deliverables comply with relevant legislation, project requirements, environmental, safety, and project-specific standards (e.g., AS/NZS 2107, ISO 2631, and applicable regulatory guidelines).
• Undertake the delegated authority for technical assurance responsibilities on behalf of the Engineering Manager, including coordinating technical reviews, verifying engineering deliverables, and ensuring compliance with project standards, John Holland technical assurance and requirements and assurance process.
• Act as the delegated primary technical interface for acoustic and vibration matters across internal design teams, contractors, specialist consultants and client representatives.
• Support assessment of Environmental Project Requirements and ensure alignment with approval conditions.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including design teams, contractors, regulatory authorities, and community representatives.
• Provide technical advice to address stakeholder concerns regarding acoustic design, noise and vibration impacts.
• Prepare presentations and reports for project management and stakeholder meetings.

Construction Support:

• Provide technical guidance during construction to ensure compliance with acoustic and vibration mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate acoustic and vibration performance during construction and commissioning phases.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence within the team and broader project environment.

What we are looking for;

• Degree in Acoustic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• Demonstrated years of experience in acoustic and vibration engineering, with the majority of experience gained preferably in rail, transport, or infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in leading acoustic and vibration design for large-scale projects, including underground and above-ground developments.
• Familiarity with relevant Australian and International standards and regulations (e.g., AS/NZS, ISO, EPA guidelines).

As part of the team, you can help us transform lives

Your success is reflected in ours, so we’re committed to being an employer of choice. We pride ourselves on having a diverse and inclusive workplace, as we understand that different perspectives and ideas are critical to our long-term success.

We want you to be with us for the long term, so providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.

What’s in it for you

We’re about connecting your sense of purpose to ours. We understand that your career is one of the biggest ways to have an impact on the world. We also believe in supporting you as a whole person, not just an employee.

We reward and support our people in so many ways. This starts with being flexible about how different people like to work. From generous leave policies to wellbeing and relationship support, your needs sit at the heart of our employee benefits.

We Offer;

Competitive remuneration with salary continuance, and salary sacrifice packaging options available.

Great leave benefits including 18 weeks paid parental leave with superannuation and up to an extra 18 weeks of superannuation paid on further periods of unpaid parental leave, multicultural leave exchange and two additional John Holland Days to prioritise health and wellbeing.

Career progression underpinned by our exciting pipeline of work means you'll have the opportunity to work on iconic projects that are shaping cities and communities.

Learning and development opportunities where you'll have access to emerging talent programs, building your career through clear career pathways, and technical and leadership training and development opportunities.

Inclusion and diversity is part of how we work and do what we do at John Holland. Our active commitment to being an employer of choice is evident in the delivery of our Gender Equality Strategic Plan supported by our Pride, Celebrate Women, RAP and Grow networks.

Flexible working that works for you as we know flexibility means different things to different people. Whether it's flexi-hours, flexi-parenting, flexi-leave, flexi-shifts, flexi-work, we're committed to helping our people work flexibly.