Principal Engineer (Civil)

Department of Transport and Main Roads; Townsville City; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Five weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Department of Transport and Main Roads in Townsville seeks a Principal Engineer (Civil) to lead engineering and project delivery across preconstruction, procurement, contract administration and construction. You will provide expert engineering assurance, coordinate multiple disciplines and drive value-for-money outcomes.

You will oversee risk, quality assurance and governance while building strong stakeholder relationships and leading a team to deliver complex infrastructure on time and within

Qualifications

• Civil engineering degree recognised by Engineers Australia.
• RPEQ registration or evidence that assessment has started.
• Current Class C driver licence.
• Eligible to work in Australia.
• Criminal history screening and pre-employment checks.

Responsibilities

• Apply high-level engineering and project management expertise to preconstruction and delivery.
• Collaborate with internal project managers for preconstruction advice and QA.
• Coordinate preconstruction disciplines including environmental, cultural heritage and geotechnical.
• Manage contract performance and construction practices.
• Supervise and coordinate resources and teamwork toward project objectives.

Skills

Road design standards

Project management

Risk management

Stakeholder relationships

Quality assurance

Education

Civil Engineering degree (Washington Accord)

RPEQ registration

Job description

Help shape transport infrastructure in North Queensland under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program. Join Transport and Main Roads as a Principal Engineer (Civil) in a permanent, flexible full-time role, based in Townsville.

Bring your engineering and project management expertise to coordinate preconstruction, procurement, contract administration and delivery activities.

As Principal Engineer (Civil) you will provide engineering expertise, assurance and coordination across procurement, preconstruction, contract administration and construction delivery.

• 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 North Queensland for up to 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference

QLD/707015/26

Closing Date

Wednesday, 25 November 2026

Occupational group

Engineering & Surveying