Senior Design Engineer

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

14 weeks parental leave

Learning and development opportunities

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join the Design & Survey Services team in Cairns. The role focuses on leading staff, certifying designs under the Professional Engineers Act (QLD), and delivering complex civil designs using CADD software.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical design expertise, effective leadership and a collaborative approach, with a path toward RPEQ registration.

Qualifications

• Senior design engineer with strong technical understanding of civil design and multidisciplinary work.
• Proven leadership, communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) or ability to obtain registration.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, lead and motivate supervised staff in preparing civil engineering designs.
• Provide supervision and certification for design work per the Professional Engineers Act (QLD).
• Hands-on preparation of complex civil designs using CADD software and technical reports.
• Deliver excellent customer service and solve client problems.
• Ensure designs meet the project program timelines.
• Contribute to quality and continuous improvement culture.
• Review designs by other disciplines in multi-disciplinary projects.
• Review cost estimates and supporting project documents.
• Provide guidance and support to technical and professional staff.

Tools

CADD software

Job description

Salary Range: $122,578.71 - $139,958.54 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Shape the future of Cairns through innovative infrastructure design

We are seeking a motivated and technically accomplished Senior Design Engineer to join our Design & Survey Services team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our region.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Coordinate, lead and motivate supervised staff in the preparation of civil engineering designs.
• Provide engineering supervision and certification for the design team, with respect to the Professional Engineers Act (QLD), as required.
• Hands-on preparation of complex civil engineering designs, using CADD software, and technical reports.
• Provide excellent customer service and actively work to solve customer problems.
• Assist in ensuring designs are delivered in accordance with the design program.
• Assist in development of a culture committed to quality and continuous improvement.
• Provide input into and review of designs undertaken by other disciplines as required in multi-disciplinary projects.
• Provide review of cost estimates and other supporting project documentation as required.
• Provide guidance and support to technical and professional staff.

Our Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking a design engineer with a strong, technical, understanding of design and extensive experience working within a multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective leadership, sound communication skills and hold a collaborative mindset. They will be expected to integrate into and contribute positively to the established team culture while maintaining a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for the Cairns community. They will further be required to acquire and maintain registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).

Why Join the Design Team?

Our team combines professionalism with a relaxed and supportive culture. We value collaboration, open communication, and the occasional good-natured banter. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where people can enjoy coming to work and working together to achieve quality outcomes.

Professional Growth and Development

The team provides excellent opportunities for learning and career development. Graduates, cadets and even experienced professionals benefit from mentorship, knowledge sharing and support from highly experienced staff. Additionally, we actively seek and provide opportunities which assist staff in meeting their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Based in Cairns, we benefit from the unique lifestyle provided by the area. Nestled between the reef and rainforest, the region offers an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Diverse and Meaningful Projects

Our project portfolio is varied and challenging, providing opportunities to work across multiple disciplines and asset types. We undertake design development for high profile city developments, sporting facilities and park upgrades in addition to a myriad of road and drainage projects. No two projects are the same, and team members take pride in delivering infrastructure that benefits the local community.

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support