Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics
HDR, Inc.
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Job summary
HDR, Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics to lead technical directions on nationally significant infrastructure projects across Australia.
You will shape discipline strategy, build client relationships, and guide a growing team of engineers in Brisbane and beyond. You will work with the Director to drive technical excellence, expand HDR’s water capabilities, and deliver robust flood risk solutions, modelling, and design leadership for complex
Qualifications
- 12+ years’ experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water-related civil engineering.
- Extensive flood modelling experience with 1D/2D tools (TUFLOW essential).
- Strong knowledge of Australian rainfall/runoff, transport standards & legislation.
- Proficiency in GIS and CAD software.
- Proven ability to lead teams and develop technical talent.
Responsibilities
- Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil projects.
- Review flood modelling and technical reporting to ensure quality.
- Apply advanced techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges.
- Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.
- Engage with authorities and support project approvals and strategy.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics - ( 197222 )
About Us
At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Guided by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we collaborate and build on each other's contributions to make great things possible.
With more than 15,000 professionals worldwide, HDR delivers architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services across some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges. In Queensland, our team is currently delivering major transport and infrastructure projects including the Coomera Connector Program, Inland Rail and a growing portfolio of road, rail, bridge and water projects.
As part of our expanding global practice, we are looking for a highly experienced engineer who wants a platform to shape the future and leave a legacy.
A Rare Leadership Opportunity
HDR is currently seeking a Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics to take on a key technical leadership role across nationally significant road, rail and bridge projects. This is a senior, visible position suited to a recognised practitioner who thrives on setting direction, solving the hard problems and elevating the capability of the next generation of engineers.
Working alongside our Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics, you will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the discipline, contributing to technical leadership, business growth, team development and client relationships across Queensland and Australia.
Beyond technical delivery, you will play an important role in team development, client relationships, business growth and long-term practice leadership within an established and growing national capability.
Why This Role Is Different
This opportunity combines:
- The technical challenge of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- The support of HDR's global water and transportation network.
- A highly collaborative, employee-owned culture.
- The opportunity to help shape and grow an established discipline.
- Meaningful influence over business direction and team development.
- A clear pathway to increased leadership responsibility within the practice.
If you've reached a point in your career where you're looking for more influence, broader impact and the opportunity to help build something long-term, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects
- Review flood modelling and technical reporting
- Apply advanced engineering techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges
- Conduct flood risk analysis, floodplain management, and bridge-related flood assessments, including scour analysis
- Mentor, coach, and provide direction to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence
- Stay current with relevant government manuals, guidelines, legislation and best-practice sustainability and flood resiliency approaches
- Liaise with statutory authorities and provide technical guidance for project approvals
- Participate in the development and implementation of technology strategies within HDR’s engineering practice
Client and Business Leadership
- Build and strengthen relationships with clients, contractors, government agencies and industry stakeholders
- Support business development initiatives, proposals, pursuits and strategic growth opportunities
- Partner with the Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics to help guide the future direction of the practice
- Contribute to strategic planning, capability growth and succession planning initiatives
- Act as a trusted technical advisor on major infrastructure programs
People and Culture
- Support the ongoing growth and capability of the hydraulics team through coaching, mentoring, and leadership
- Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration and innovation
- Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including collaboration across HDR’s global offices
About You
You are a recognised hydrology and hydraulics specialist who enjoys tackling complex flood problems, guiding others through uncertainty, and being trusted as the technical voice in the room.
- 12+ years’ experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water-related civil engineering
- Extensive experience in flood modelling, including 1D and 2D hydraulic modelling (TUFLOW essential)
- Strong knowledge of Australian Rainfall and Runoff, transport authority design standards and relevant legislation
- Proficiency in GIS (e.g., MapInfo, ArcGIS, QGIS) and CADD software
- Proven ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and manage complex disciplines within projects
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and proactive solutions-focused mindset
- Confidence in influencing team direction, shaping successful work practices, and supporting leadership in strategic decisions
- Experience with CFD (Flow3D) and advanced modelling software (MikeFLOOD, Mike3D, TUFLOW FV, Delft3D, etc)
- Interface experience in water quality treatments, stormwater management and drainage design
- Proficiency in 12d Model, HY-8, TMR Culvert, CulvertMaster, OpenRoads Designer, or similar design tools
- Active involvement in national hydrology or water engineering communities
- Track record of sharing technical innovations through publications and industry presentations
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil, environmental, or other relevant engineering discipline
- Chartered status with Engineers Australia or equivalent
- RPEQ accreditation and eligibility for RPEV
Why Join Us?
At HDR, work is more than a job, it’s a chance to genuinely shape the communities we live in. If you’re ready to accelerate your career with purpose and make your mark on the future of our communities, we want to hear from you. #LI-CG3
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
- Professional engineering license recognised by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland.
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.
Australia-QLD-Brisbane
Highway + Road
Full-time
Regular
Oct 22, 2026
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.
We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employe r.
We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.
We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.
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