Principal Utilities Engineer

City of Gold Coast; Gold Coast City; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/work from home options

Fitness facilities access

Counselling services

Job summary

The City of Gold Coast seeks a Principal Utilities Engineer to lead planning, design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects. This senior role provides expert oversight to ensure compliant, efficient solutions aligned with City objectives.

You will apply deep engineering expertise with strong program leadership, risk management and stakeholder engagement to deliver high-value assets while maintaining safety and regulatory standards. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Engineering Science (Civil).
• Certificate IV in Leadership and Management or equivalent experience.
• C Class Drivers Licence (Unrestricted) (Mandatory).
• General Construction Induction Card (White) or willing to obtain.
• RPEQ – Area of Civil Engineering.
• Extensive demonstrated experience in electrical design and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of the program across City infrastructure, including low/high voltage switchboards and assets.
• Manage all program phases under P3M framework: planning, engineering analysis, closeout.
• Provide technical leadership ensuring electrical safety standards and HV requirements.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement, consultant coordination, and complex technical resolution.
• Maintain schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to track progress.
• Lead risk management, resource mobilization, and quality assurance.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows and asset planning.

Skills

Advanced problem-solving capabilities

Education

Bachelor in Engineering Science (Civil)

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

Job description

Position Brief - Principal Utilities Engineer

About the role

This Principle Utilities Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, design, and delivery of complex and high risk 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 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 Program across the City’s 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 through sound engineering and risk management practices.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining engineering workflows, and embedding 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 Civil 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.

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.