Principal Engineer (Civil)

Department Of Transport And Main Roads; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation assistance

Leave entitlements

Professional development

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Department Of Transport And Main Roads in Cairns is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to lead preconstruction, procurement, contract administration and delivery activities for Far North Queensland transport projects. The role offers flexible, full-time, hybrid work arrangements.

You will coordinate with district teams and design consultants to produce fit-for-purpose designs, quality documentation and value-for-money outcomes, on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Mandatory Civil Engineering degree with Washington Accord accreditation or equivalent recognized by Engineers Australia.
• RPEQ registration is mandatory for appointment, or evidence that assessment has commenced.

Responsibilities

• Apply high-level engineering and project management expertise to preconstruction, managing risks to achieve fit-for-purpose designs and value for money.
• Collaborate with internal project managers to provide preconstruction advice and quality assurance.
• Coordinate relevant preconstruction disciplines, including environmental, cultural heritage and geotechnical requirements, so projects can be designed and delivered as planned.
• Manage contract performance and construction practices through efficient procedures and best practice.
• Supervise and coordinate resources, fostering effective teamwork and a shared focus on project objectives.

Skills

Road design standards

Project management

Engineering analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Help shape transport infrastructure in Far North Queensland. Join Transport and Main Roads as a Principal Engineer (Civil) in a permanent, flexible full-time role with the Delivery team, Delivery & Operations unit, based in Cairns.

Bring your engineering and project management expertise to coordinate preconstruction, procurement, contract administration and delivery activities. Work with district teams and design consultants to achieve fit-for-purpose designs, quality documentation and value-for-money project outcomes, on time and within budget.

Make a difference to Far North Queensland's transport network as Principal Engineer (Civil) with TMR's Delivery team in Cairns. You will provide engineering expertise, assurance and coordination across procurement, preconstruction, contract administration and construction delivery. Working with district planning, technical services and design teams, and external design consultants, you will help deliver quality documentation and project outcomes on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Apply high-level engineering and project management expertise to preconstruction, managing risks to achieve fit-for-purpose designs and value for money.
• Collaborate with internal project managers to provide preconstruction advice and quality assurance.
• Coordinate relevant preconstruction disciplines, including environmental, cultural heritage and geotechnical requirements, so projects can be designed and delivered as planned.
• Manage contract performance and construction practices through efficient procedures and best practice.
• Supervise and coordinate resources, fostering effective teamwork and a shared focus on project objectives.

Further information on the role can be found in the attached role description.

Mandatory Qualifications And Conditions

• A Washington Accord accredited four-year degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent recognised by Engineers Australia.
• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) is mandatory for appointment; however, applications will also be considered with evidence that an assessment for RPEQ has commenced.
• Current holder of a Class C driver licence.
• Must be eligible to work in Australia
• Criminal history screening will be conducted for the recommended person.
• Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.

What You'll Bring

• Experience with road design standards, plans, specifications and construction, supported by strong engineering investigation, reporting and project management skills.
• Sound governance, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage risks, make informed decisions and build enduring stakeholder relationships.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration, including generous superannuation and leave provisions.
• Five weeks of annual leave plus an additional leave day each year, with access to Volunteer and Community Service Leave.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, part-time hours, and flexible start/finish times (subject to approval).
• Employer superannuation contributions up to 12.75%.
• Annual leave loading.
• Salary packaging arrangements.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous parental leave entitlements.
• Relocation assistance.

Diversity And Inclusion

At Transport and Main Roads, we foster a workplace culture built on respect, dignity, and fairness. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, culturally diverse individuals, and women.

If you require additional support or adjustments, such as interpreting services, assistive technologies, or specific physical accommodations, please let us know to ensure you can showcase your abilities during the recruitment process.

Additional Information

Applications for this role may also be considered for similar vacancies within the Far North District for up to 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference

QLD/706339/26

Closing Date

Tuesday, 17 November 2026

Occupational group

Engineering & Surveying