Principal Engineer (Civil)

Queensland Government; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Five weeks annual leave

Volunteer leave

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to oversee planning and delivery of key road infrastructure components under the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) for North Queensland.

You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, provide expert governance and contract management, and ensure compliance with standards and legislation across all project phases. The role offers significant impact on safety-focused road projects in North Queensland.

Qualifications

• Four-year Civil Engineering degree accredited by the Washington Accord, recognised by Engineers Australia.
• RPEQ registration is mandatory for appointment.
• Class C driver licence is required.
• Eligible to work in Australia.
• Criminal history check will be undertaken before appointment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, lead and manage delivery of QTRIP projects and identify network deficiencies, risks and opportunities.
• Provide leadership to professional, technical, consultant and contractor resources to support project commitments.
• Develop project management plans and provide reporting on progress, expenditure, forecasts, risks and performance.
• Ensure standards, policies, guidelines and legislative requirements are applied across all road projects.

Skills

RPEQ

Driver's license

Contract management

Project governance

Leadership

Education

Civil Engineering degree (Washington Accord)

Job description

As Principal Engineer (Civil), you will manage the planning and delivery of key components of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) and provide specialist technical expertise across complex road infrastructure projects. You will lead internal and external resources, support disciplined project delivery, and provide advice that enables successful outcomes for the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - North Queensland.Key responsibilities include:Coordinate, lead and manage the delivery and ongoing development of QTRIP projects, including identifying network deficiencies, risks and opportunities.Provide effective leadership to professional, technical, consultant and contractor resources to support project commitments and program outcomes.Develop project management plans and provide clear reporting on progress, expenditure, forecasts, risks and performance.Ensure relevant standards, policies, guidelines and legislative requirements are applied across all phases of road infrastructure delivery.Provide expert advice on technical governance, contract management, issue resolution and contract performance, including acting as Representative of the Principal as delegated.Further information on the role can be found in the attached role description.This role offers the opportunity to influence the delivery of significant safety-focused road infrastructure for North Queensland while working with experienced project, engineering and technical teams.Mandatory qualifications and conditionsA 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 be considered where evidence is provided that an assessment for RPEQ has commenced.Current holder of a Class C driver licence.Must be eligible to work in AustraliaDue to this role having access to sensitive data, a criminal history check will be undertaken prior to appointment to the role.Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.Desirable requirementsQualification or certification in project management.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 to remain current for 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.Job Ad Reference: QLD/701746/26Closing Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.