Principal Civil & Drainage Engineer

Pittsh; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working practices

Paid parental leave

EAP access

Professional development

Job summary

pitt&sherry is seeking a Principal Civil & Drainage Engineer in Melbourne or Sydney to provide senior technical leadership across stormwater projects. You will lead complex hydrologic analysis, drainage design, and design management for government, energy and transport clients.

You will mentor the drainage team, collaborate across offices, and drive practical, buildable solutions while advancing the firm’s drainage capability and project delivery excellence.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level civil and drainage engineering experience across complex projects.
• Technical capability in stormwater drainage, hydrology and hydraulics with 12d and DRAINS.
• Experience delivering drainage design across transport, energy or resources sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead stormwater drainage projects from concept to delivery with technical quality and client outcomes.
• Direct hydrologic and hydraulic analysis using 12d, DRAINS, RORB and TUFLOW.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor on drainage challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary civil projects and contribute across earthworks and road design.
• Manage scope, programme, budget, risk, and client relationships for successful outcomes.
• Mentor drainage team through coaching, reviews and capability development.
• Collaborate across offices to deliver integrated drainage solutions.
• Build client relationships and support business growth through proposals.

Skills

Senior civil engineer

Drainage engineering

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Project leadership

Client management

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

CPEng / RPEQ / RPEV accreditation

Tools

12d

DRAINS

RORB

TUFLOW

Job description

About Us:

pitt&sherryis an engineering and environmental consultancy delivering advisory and project management services across Australia. Since 1963, we have combined technical expertise, practical thinking and trusted relationships to help solve complex challenges and create enduring impact where it matters most.

Agile, practical and hands-on, we are a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, planners, technicians, project managers and consultants who thrive on tackling complex projects. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, we deliver integrated solutions that make a meaningful difference to people, place and communities.

With seven offices across Australia, we help our clients and communities respond to the challenges and opportunities of a changing world.

The Opportunity:

Join our Hydrology and Hydraulics capability in Melbourne or Sydney as a Principal Civil & Drainage Engineer providing senior technical and design leadership across stormwater drainage projects. You will lead complex hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, drainage design and design management across energy, resources, civic, water and transport projects.

This is an opportunity to shape practical solutions for clients, strengthen our drainage capability and mentor the next generation of engineers. Working across disciplines and offices, you will help deliver high-quality outcomes for government, resource and energy clients, and tier 1 contractors.

What you will do:

• Lead stormwater drainage projects and design packages from concept through delivery, taking accountability for technical quality, coordination, commercial performance, safety and client outcomes.
• Direct hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and drainage design, applying 12d, DRAINS, RORB, TUFLOW and relevant standards and approval requirements.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor on complex drainage, hydrology and hydraulics challenges, developing innovative, practical and buildable solutions and navigating approval pathways.
• Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary civil engineering projects, providing input across earthworks, road design, infrastructure delivery and project development where drainage is a critical component.
• Manage project scope, programme, budget, risk, stakeholder engagement and client relationships to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Mentor and guide the drainage team through coaching, work review, delegation and capability development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across offices to deliver integrated outcomes and consistently high-quality drainage solutions.
• Build strong client relationships and support business growth by identifying opportunities, pursuing new work and contributing to proposals and bids.
• Drive continuous improvement in drainage methods, tools, reviews and design assurance across the practice.

What you bring:

We welcome applicants who are excited by the opportunity and believe they can contribute, even if they do not meet every desirable attribute listed below.

• Substantial senior-level civil and drainage engineering experience, including design and design management across complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Technical capability in stormwater drainage, hydrology and hydraulics, with experience using 12d and DRAINS and the ability to understand and direct work using RORB, TUFLOW and other relevant models.
• Experience delivering drainage design across transport, energy, resources or comparable market sectors, supported by broader civil design capability.
• A strong record of leading major projects, assuring technical quality and applying sound judgement across project delivery, client, commercial and risk considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering and construction challenges, developing practical, innovative and buildable solutions.
• Experience managing client relationships, identifying opportunities and contributing to business development, proposal preparation and work-winning activities.
• The ability to communicate complex technical advice clearly, influence senior stakeholders and navigate discussions with clients, approval authorities and project teams.
• A collaborative leadership style, with experience coaching others, building capability and coordinating effectively across disciplines and offices.
• Current CPEng and/or RPEQ/RPEV professional accreditation appropriate to the work being undertaken.
• Experience with Victorian design and construction projects, including MRPV projects and Melbourne Water approval processes

Why join us:

• Passionate Team: We're a friendly bunch who are passionate about our work. This role is a great opportunity for someone looking to join us as we progress our 2030 strategy.
• Flexible Working Practices: At pitt&sherry, we champion flexible working practices. Our team enjoys the best of both worlds, splitting their time between home and the office. We believe in genuine work/life balance and strive to create an environment where our employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
• Paid Parental Leave: Enjoy paid parental leave with no waiting period and a Return to Work Bonus for when you’re ready to come back.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Complimentary access to qualified psychologists and coaches to support your health and wellbeing.
• Professional Development: We encourage ongoing learning and development. We are active members of Engineers Australia and Consult Australia.
• Additional Leave: Purchased additional leave allowance as well as cultural and ceremonial leave with access to floating public holidays.
• Competitive Remuneration: A market-competitive remuneration package.
• Social Connections: Regular social and cultural celebrations to connect with your team.
• Recognition and Growth: Work for an agile company where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly make a difference.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse background including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature workers, LGBTI+ people and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We actively support workplace gender equity and publicly report through the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

Proud members of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).