Principal Drainage Engineer

KBR, Inc.; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Family-friendly arrangements

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is seeking a Principal Drainage Engineer to lead complex drainage design for major transport projects in Victoria. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Drainage Lead and expertise in hydrology modelling software. You will guide design teams, mentor engineers, and deliver innovative solutions while ensuring sustainability. This strategic leadership role offers hybrid work options and is integral in shaping the future of Australia's transport networks.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering complex infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience as a Drainage Lead on major transport projects.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction and design development on projects.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers in design teams.
• Deliver innovative drainage solutions across various programs.

Skills

Drainage Lead

Complex drainage design

Hydrology modelling software

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Hydrology modelling software

Job description

Overview

We’re here to deliver better infrastructure for a better tomorrow.

By designing smart, sustainable transport solutions, we connect people and places across Australia’s major cities, regional communities, and remote areas. Our mission is to move people more safely and efficiently through innovative rail, road, bridge, and maritime projects—always with sustainability at the forefront.

We design with care for people and the planet, creating vibrant, connected places that respect heritage, support community growth, and shape the cities of the future.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Drainage Engineer, you’ll play a critical leadership role in delivering some of Victoria’s most complex and high‑profile transport infrastructure projects.

You will act as the Drainage Lead on multidisciplinary projects—owning the technical direction, leading design development, and navigating complex engineering challenges to deliver robust, innovative drainage solutions across road, rail, and major infrastructure programs.

You’ll provide high‑level technical leadership, guide design teams, mentor senior and junior engineers, and oversee project delivery to meet quality, safety, budget, and timeline expectations. You will be a trusted advisor to clients, influencing decision‑making, shaping design strategy, and driving excellence across all stages of the project lifecycle.

This is a rare opportunity to take a strategic leadership role in projects that will define the future of Australia’s transport networks.

Who You Are

You’re an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer with deep technical expertise and a track record of leading complex drainage design on major civil infrastructure projects. You thrive in challenging environments, excel at navigating competing priorities, and bring confidence and clarity to multidisciplinary teams.

You understand how to lead others, guide clients, and deliver innovative, scalable drainage solutions that stand the test of time.

You bring:

• A degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Significant experience delivering complex infrastructure projects with consultants, contractors, and government agencies
• Demonstrated experience acting as a Drainage Lead on major road, rail, or transport programs
• Advanced design capability and expertise in drainage and hydrology modelling software
• Strong knowledge of relevant codes and guidelines (Austroads, State Transport Authority requirements, etc.)
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status

What We Do

KBR’s Infrastructure Services team is building a smarter and more sustainable future for Australia. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions across transport, water, defence, and the built environment, partnering with clients nationwide throughout every stage of the project lifecycle.

With more than 1,200 specialists across the country, we combine global expertise with deep local knowledge. We’re digitally connected, agile, and committed to delivering social and environmental outcomes that benefit communities long into the future.

At KBR, We Value You

Our values define how we operate and how we support our people:

We Value Our People, We Deliver, We Are People of Integrity, We Empower, and We Are a Team of Teams.

As you focus on leading high‑impact engineering solutions, we ensure you have the support, flexibility, and autonomy you need to thrive. Enjoy hybrid working options, family‑friendly arrangements, and a culture built on trust, empowerment, and collaboration.

At KBR, you’ll work alongside some of the industry’s most respected experts with the support of a global organisation—and the connected, supportive feel of a local team. Here, you’re not just part of the business; you’re integral to shaping its future.

KBR values an inclusive and diverse work environment, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Our hiring decisions are based on the key requirements of each role and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and experiences.