Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mott MacDonald; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work atmosphere

Discretionary bonuses

Life and salary continuance insurance

Extra annual leave

Job summary

Mott MacDonald’s Water Environment & Society team in Brisbane seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex water and wastewater D&C projects as part of NG4D with Urban Utilities. You will guide project design, coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, and drive value-focused solutions for a major 10-year program.

You will bring a mechanical engineering degree, CPEng and RPEQ status (or within 6–12 months), plus experience across water networks and WSAA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Proven experience delivering water and wastewater projects.
• CPEng and RPEQ or in process of obtaining within 6–12 months.
• Strong knowledge of WSAA standards and Australian drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead weekly design meetings, reviews, and milestone workshops.
• Oversee development and QA of drawings, reports, and client deliverables.
• Produce and manage Site Access, Tenure, and Environmental & Planning docs.
• Coordinate inputs with delivery partners, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Define and select value-for-money technical solutions with multi‑partner team.
• Identify risks, drive mitigation, and maximise project value.
• Manage design budgets, schedules, and change processes with earned value tracking.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a high-performing technical culture.
• Build strong internal and external client relationships.
• Contribute technical input to bid pursuits and business growth.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical

CPEng

RPEQ

Tools

MS Office

Engineering software

Job description

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Brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seekopportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.

Mott MacDonald's Water Environment & Societymarket has an exciting opportunity for aPrincipal Mechanical Engineerto join their Water team based in Brisbane and be a part of the fully integrated ambitious Next Generation for Delivery (NG4D) program with Urban Utilities. Spanning up to 10 years, NG4D will see the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, network, and treatment infrastructure across Urban Utilities’ South East Queensland operational area.

You will play a central part in delivering high quality engineering outcomes across complex water and wastewater design and construct (D&C) projects. You will lead and coordinate interesting and complex projects, while contributing to strategic decision making and shaping best value solutions.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading project progress through weekly design meetings, formal reviews, and key milestone workshops (e.g., SID, HAZOP).
• Overseeing the development, quality assurance, and finalisation of engineering drawings, design reports, and client specific deliverables.
• Managing the production of specialist reports, including Site Access, Tenure, and Environmental & Planning (STEP) documentation.
• Collaborating with our delivery partners, suppliers and subcontractors—preparing specifications, coordinating inputs, and reviewing technical submissions.
• Working with a multidisciplinary and multipartner team to define, assess, and select the best value technical solutions aligned with client outcomes.
• Identifying risks and opportunities, driving mitigation strategies, and maximising project value.
• Managing design budgets, schedules, and change processes, including earned value tracking.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers, fostering a supportive and high performing technical environment.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Providing technical input into bid pursuits and contributing to business growth opportunities.

About You

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical
• CPEng and RPEQ (or be in the process of obtaining within 6 - 12 months)
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of wastewater treatment processes, wastewater networks, and water networks, and their associated infrastructure.
• Proven experience as an engineer delivering and leading water and wastewater projects, preferably with some experience within design and construct projects.
• Extensive knowledge of local and national standards and drawings, including Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA)
• Proficiency in general Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Experience in other engineering software preferred, but not essential.
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external clients.
• Be a highly motivated individual with excellent communication and written skills.

Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• A flexible and agile work atmosphere that caters to your professional journey and life's special moments
• A competitive salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Comprehensive coverage including life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance, providing peace of mind during uncertain times
• Opportunities to enhance your work-life balance through the option to purchase extra annual leave

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

You’ve got this!

We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity.