Principal Engineer (Civil)

Department of Transport and Main Roads; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Five weeks annual leave + leave day

Ongoing training and development

Flexible working arrangements

Employer superannuation contributions

Annual leave loading

Salary packaging

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Department of Transport and Main Roads in Cairns is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to lead planning and design across the Far North District. You will provide high‑level engineering advice and leadership, manage delivery of planning projects, supervise staff development, and build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver the district's capital works program.

Mandatory qualifications include a Washington Accord accredited four‑year degree in Civil Engineering and RPEQ registration;

Qualifications

• Washington Accord accredited four-year degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent recognised by Engineers Australia.
• Registration as a Registered Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) is mandatory or assessment in progress.
• Current holder of a Class C driver licence.
• Must be eligible to work in Australia.
• Pre-employment check of serious discipline history.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level engineering expertise and strategic advice on project planning and design.
• Manage the delivery of planning and design projects, ensuring adherence to budget and schedule milestones.
• Supervise resource allocation and staff development to support transport infrastructure projects.
• Offer leadership and resolve complex problems for stakeholders to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Provide expert advice on contractual issues, monitor consultant performance and ensure compliance with policies, standards, and legislation.
• Build and manage relationships with stakeholders to ensure timely and professional delivery of projects.

Skills

Project planning

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Contractual advice

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

An exciting temporary opportunity has become available for a Principal Engineer to join the Project Planning team, Far North District, based in Cairns.

As Principal Engineer, you will provide high-level engineering advice and leadership to support the planning and development of transport infrastructure projects across the district. You will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to help shape project priorities, manage planning risks and contribute to the successful delivery of the Far North District capital works program.

In the role of Principal Engineer (Civil) you will manage the delivery of transport infrastructure planning projects and provide specialist technical expertise and advice to other professional and technical staff, to ensure delivery of the projects within time, quality, cost and stakeholder expectations.

Some Of Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Provide high-level engineering expertise and strategic advice on project planning and design to ensure best practices, value for money, and successful project outcomes.
• Manage the delivery of planning and design projects, ensuring adherence to best practices, budget, and schedule milestones for transport infrastructure.
• Supervise resource allocation and foster teamwork and staff development to support transport infrastructure projects.
• Offer leadership and resolve complex problems for stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of transport infrastructure projects.
• Provide expert advice on contractual issues, monitor consultant performance and ensure compliance with policies, standards, and legislation.
• Build and manage relationships with stakeholders, addressing expectations, risks and issues to ensure the timely and professional delivery of projects.

Mandatory Qualifications And Conditions

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

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.

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 to remain current for 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.

Occupational group Engineering & Surveying