Principal Utilities Engineer

Council Jobs; Gold Coast City; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Fitness Passport access

Counselling services

Nutrition advice session

Job summary

Gold Coast City Council is seeking a Principle Utilities Engineer to lead the planning, design, and delivery of high‑risk electrical infrastructure projects across the City. The role combines deep electrical engineering expertise with strong program leadership and risk management to support long‑term sustainability goals.

You will oversee the Arc Flash Investigation Program, manage multi‑phase projects under a P3M framework, and ensure regulatory compliance and high safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Engineering Science (Civil) is required.
• Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and/or relevant equivalent knowledge and experience.
• C Class Drivers Licence (Unrestricted) mandatory.
• General Construction Induction Card (White), or willing to obtain.
• RPEQ - Area of Electrical Engineering.
• Extensive demonstrated experience in electrical design and project experience.
• Advanced problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of Arc Flash Investigation Program across the City’s electrical infrastructure.
• Manage all program phases under P3M framework including planning, engineering analysis and closeout.
• Provide technical leadership, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards and HV requirements.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement, consultant coordination and resolution of complex technical challenges.
• Maintain detailed schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to track delivery progress.
• Lead risk management, resource mobilisation and technical quality assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows and asset planning.

Skills

Advanced problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering Science ( Civil )

Certificate IV in Leadership & Management

Job description

This Principle Utilities Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, design, and delivery of complex and high risk electrical infrastructure projects across the City. This senior technical role provides expert oversight to ensure engineering solutions are compliant, efficient, and strategically aligned with the City’s objectives.

The role will demonstrate deep technical proficiency in electrical engineering, combined with strong program leadership and risk management capabilities. This role requires the ability to navigate multi phase project environments, engage with a broad range of stakeholders, and drive high performance outcomes. A focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement is essential to delivering infrastructure that supports the City’s long term operational and sustainability goals.

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Arc Flash Investigation Program across the City’s electrical infrastructure, encompassing all low and high voltage switchboards and associated assets.
• Manage all program phases under the (portfolios, programme and project management) P3M framework, including planning, engineering analysis, and closeout.
• Provide technical leadership, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards and high voltage requirements.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement, consultant coordination, and resolution of complex technical challenges.
• Maintain detailed schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to track delivery progress.
• Lead risk management, resource mobilisation, and technical quality assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows and integrate arc flash risk assessments into long term asset planning.
• Proactively manage technical and operational risks (e.g. network isolation, data integrity, HV impacts) through sound engineering and risk management practices.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining engineering workflows, standardising HV/LV documentation, and embedding electrical hazard assessments into asset lifecycle planning and capital works.

We’re looking for people who have:

• Bachelor in Engineering Science (Civil)
• Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and / or relevant equivalent knowledge and experience
• C Class Drivers Licence (Unrestricted) (Mandatory)
• General Construction Induction Card (White), or willing to obtain
• RPEQ - Area of Electrical Engineering
• Extensive demonstrated experience in electrical design and project experience
• Advanced problem-solving capabilities

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
• Personal and professional development courses
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.

Closing Date Monday, 09 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.