Technical Executive, Water

WSP in Australia; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Job summary

WSP in Australia is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to shape the future of water infrastructure across Queensland. In this senior position, you will lead major water projects, from concept through to commissioning, while mentoring engineers and driving client outcomes. The role requires over 15 years of experience in technical leadership, strong commercial acumen, and a recognized engineering degree. Enjoy a flexible working environment with competitive pay and numerous employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience in technical leadership and delivery of major water projects.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing teams of various sizes.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of major water projects from concept to commissioning.
• Grow capability by mentoring engineers across levels.
• Drive client outcomes and build trusted relationships.

Skills

Technical leadership

Client relationship management

Team building and management

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Proposal writing

Education

Engineering degree (Civil or Mechanical preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Shape the future of Water at WSP. Join us as a Senior Principal Engineer or a Technical Executive. We’re looking for a hands‑on technical leader to drive excellence in design, delivery and innovation across Australia’s most impactful water infrastructure programs. In this senior role, you’ll set the technical vision, guide complex multi‑disciplinary projects from feasibility through to commissioning, and grow capability across a nationally distributed team. You’ll also play a pivotal role in our market strategy—partnering with senior leaders to deepen client relationships and win landmark opportunities.

The opportunity

Partnering closely with our Section Water Executives and Team Managers, you will provide technical leadership on major projects and help build a high‑performing, future‑ready Water business nationally. You’ll collaborate across our water networks, treatment, and asset management and planning teams to deliver integrated solutions that exceed client expectations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical delivery of major water projects (brownfield and greenfield) from concept and feasibility through design management, execution and commissioning—championing quality, innovation and compliance throughout.
• Grow capability: coach, mentor and uplift engineers across levels and locations, fostering a culture of learning, innovation and accountability.
• Drive client outcomes: lead technical discussions, shape solutions and build trusted relationships with authorities, utilities and major contractors; contribute to panel/program governance and performance.
• Own commercial, quality and WHS outcomes across your portfolio; embed Safety‑in‑Design and robust risk management throughout project lifecycles.
• Win work: originate and support bids and proposals with a compelling technical value proposition; partner with Water Client Directors and adjacent business units to pursue strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate to deliver: integrate expertise across water networks, water treatment, asset management and planning to drive consistent, high‑value outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

• 15+ years’ experience in the technical leadership and delivery of major water projects within consulting, including design management on complex, multi‑disciplinary programs.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships and internal networks; confident leading negotiations with water authorities and Tier‑1 and 2 contractors.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing teams—including virtual and remote—at local and national scale.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of optimising project performance, scope and profitability.
• Depth of technical expertise across a broad range of water projects (networks, treatment, pumping, storage), with the ability to monitor and manage multiple projects of varying complexity.
• Experience pursuing bids and writing winning proposals; contribution to strategic business initiatives.
• Ability to lead and improve D&C project capabilities; strong contractor relationships nationally.
• Demonstrated capability in risk identification and management, and applying Safety‑in‑Design processes and practices across all projects.
• A recognised Engineering degree (Civil or Mechanical preferred) with Chartered (CPEng) / RPEQ/RPEV (or eligibility), and previous/current consulting experience.

Why Choose WSP?

At WSP, you’ll build a career with purpose, flexibility and opportunity. Enjoy competitive pay, an inclusive culture where your ideas matter, and career pathways shaped around your goals.

You’ll have flexible work options, up to 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers, extra purchased leave, and the chance to work on purpose‑driven projects that strengthen communities.

With global mobility and our Employee Share Purchase Plan, you’ll be part of a company committed to your growth and your future. To find out more about our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, and the programs we’ve designed to help you thrive, go to our Employee Benefits page.

Make a real difference—on your terms, with your vision, and alongside a team that shares your ambition.

Because with us, you can. Apply today.

Questions? Let’s talk.

For a confidential chat about these roles—or other opportunities in our Water Group—reach out to Carmina Navalta from our Talent Acquisition Team.