Principal Designer - Roads & Highways

Surbana Jurong; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SMEC in Sydney seeks a Principal 12D Designer to lead civil and transport design packages across major NSW projects, driving quality and integration with BIM workflows. You will mentor designers, collaborate with engineers and project partners, and influence outcomes through expert technical guidance, shaping transport infrastructure with a global consultancy.

With 15+ years in civil/transport design and expertise in 12D and AutoCAD, you will advance innovation and the delivery of iconic

Qualifications

• 15+ years in civil/transport design with a portfolio of major infrastructure.
• Expertise in 12D, AutoCAD and 3D modelling for transport infra.
• Strong communication and ability to guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced problem-solving and translating complex concepts into practical solutions.
• Passion for innovation and delivering technically exceptional outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil and transport design packages across large infrastructure projects.
• Drive best-practice application of 12D with BIM integration.
• Mentor designers and build a high-performance technical culture.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, digital specialists and partners.
• Influence project design outcomes with expert technical guidance.

Skills

Civil/transport design experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical/problem solving

Innovation

Tools

12D

AutoCAD

3D modelling

Job description

Global Expertise, Local Insight:

With a presence in over 40 countries, SMEC combines global knowledge with local understanding to deliver tailored solutions that meet Australia’s unique needs.

Technical Excellence:

Our team of specialists is renowned for their technical prowess and reliable delivery. From transport infrastructure to energy projects, we tackle the most complex challenges with precision and creativity.

Be an integral part of a global engineering design consultancy, providing plenty of local and international career opportunities and upward mobility. Make an impact on city‑shaping transport projects. Lead. Influence. Deliver.

Sydney | Major NSW Transport Projects | Global Consultancy

SMEC provides unique opportunities to work on iconic industry projects with experienced colleagues and leadership teams. We support and empower employees to drive innovation initiatives within a well-established and growing organisation.

Infrastructure

At SMEC, we understand that our continued success within the infrastructure market is the result of building long‑term client relationships. We listen and understand the specific needs of our clients and deliver a complete value chain of services to provide sustainable solutions across major infrastructure projects worldwide.

We embrace emerging technologies and innovations, including BIM and Virtual Reality, to deliver robust engineering services across the fields of transport and logistics, water and environment and energy and resources.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Principal 12D Designer to join our high‑performing Sydney Transport team, supporting major road, rail and multidisciplinary transport programs across NSW and ANZ.

This principal role will see you:

• Lead civil and transport design packages across complex, large‑scale infrastructure projects
• Drive best‑practice application of 12D, ensuring quality, accuracy and seamless integration with BIM and project workflows
• Mentor designers and contribute to building a high‑performance technical culture
• Collaborate closely with engineers, digital specialists and key project partners
• Influence project design outcomes and provide expert technical guidance to clients

What You Bring

• 15+ years’ experience in civil/transport design with a strong portfolio of major infrastructure projects
• Expertise in 12D, AutoCAD and 3D modelling for transport infrastructure
• Strong communication skills and the ability to guide multidisciplinary project teams
• Advanced problem‑solving, analytical ability and capability to translate complex design concepts into practical solutions
• Passion for innovation, continuous improvement and delivering exceptional technical outcomes

When you join SMEC, you will have the opportunity to embrace your creativity and drive change across the business. Working with clients and partners, you will be part of an organisation that helps to shape our communities, industries and the global landscape. Our recent growth has provided new and exciting opportunities for our people, our employees enjoy a consistent flow of significant projects, end‑to‑end responsibilities and are motivated by meaningful work. In return, SMEC offers you the benefits that come from working in a global multidisciplinary consultancy in an environment where your fresh ideas and enthusiasm will be welcomed and reward.

Link to benefits: http://www.smec.com/en_au/careers/your-career-with-SMEC

Wrap up

As an inclusive and growing organisation, SMEC is committed to building a global community of talented professionals and thought leaders. We recognise the value and importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace and look for people with different backgrounds, skills and expertise to drive innovation and shared learning across our growing global network. SMEC is committed to equitable recruitment practices and encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders decent.

Learn more about SMEC: http://www.smec.com/en_au http://smec.com/infocus/

SMEC is a global engineering, management and development consultancy delivering innovative solutions for our clients and partners. Leveraging our 70‑year history of delivering nation‑building infrastructure, we provide technical expertise and advanced engineering services to resolve complex challenges across major infrastructure and energy projects. SMEC has a long and proud history which dates back to Australia’s iconic Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme in 1949, one of the largest and most complex hydroelectric schemes in the world. Headquartered in Australia, we have offices across more than 35 countries in Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa and the Americas. Together with our clients and partners, we deliver projects that directly contribute to improving health, quality of life and development outcomes for communities and neighbourhoods around the world. Driven by innovation, ingenuity and skill, our people have shaped these outcomes in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Since 2016, SMEC has been a member of the Surbana Jurong Group, an Asia‑based global powerhouse of over 16,000 employees. Through our network of global specialists and by collaborating with local partners, we connect clients with the best teams and capabilities to deliver sustainable solutions.