Principal Engineer / Coastal Protection (Contract)

National Parks Board; Singapore; On-site; SGD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

National Parks Board (NParks) in Singapore is seeking a dedicated Principal Engineer to guide a team in planning and delivering coastal protection projects.

The role focuses on integrating conventional engineering and Nature-based Solutions to enhance coastal resilience while interfacing with parkland.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in engineering or project management, preferably coastal, land reclamation, infrastructure, geotechnical, hydraulic or Nature-based Solutions.
• Experience providing functional guidance to junior staff and with people management.
• Strong project-management capabilities including budgets, schedules, procurement and multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to a team responsible for planning, design and implementation of coastal protection projects.
• Oversee coastal engineering projects including geotechnical, hydraulic and infrastructure works, feasibility studies and environmental evaluations.
• Drive integrated coastal management strategies combining conventional engineering with Nature-based Solutions.
• Develop practical, resilient, cost-effective solutions for coastal and civil engineering challenges; manage risks and interdependencies.
• Oversee cost estimates, schedules, procurement approaches, tenders, and contract management to meet budget and quality.
• Lead engagements with government agencies, stakeholders, consultants, contractors and partners; represent the organisation at meetings and forums.
• Prepare and review management papers, project submissions, technical recommendations and presentations.
• Build team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Coastal engineering

Project management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Education

BEng/BSc Civil or Environmental Eng

Tools

Engineering design software

Job description

What the role is:

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to provide functional guidance to a team responsible for the planning and delivery of coastal protection projects. The successful candidate will provide technical and project expertise in developing integrated solutions that enhance Singapore’s coastal resilience while supporting the effective interface between coastal infrastructure and adjacent parkland.

As Principal Engineer, you will guide a team in managing coastal engineering, geotechnical and infrastructure works. You will oversee the development of conventional engineering measures and Nature-based Solutions to address coastal erosion, flooding and storm-surge impacts. You will also work closely with government agencies, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are developed and delivered effectively.

What you will be working on:

• Provide functional guidance to a team responsible for the planning, design and implementation of coastal protection projects, setting work priorities, allocating responsibilities, and providing technical direction to team members.
• Oversee a portfolio of coastal engineering projects involving geotechnical, hydraulic and infrastructure works, including feasibility assessments, environmental studies and evaluations of technical options.
• Drive the development of integrated coastal management strategies combining conventional engineering interventions with Nature-based Solutions, ensuring proposals are integrated with adjacent parkland and account for relevant environmental and operational considerations.
• Guide the development of practical, resilient, and cost-effective solutions to complex coastal and civil engineering challenges, with oversight of project risks, interdependencies, and mitigation measures.
• Oversee project cost estimates, schedules, procurement approaches, tender processes, and contract management to ensure projects meet budget, timeline, quality, and technical requirements.
• Lead engagements with government agencies, stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and other partners, and represent the organisation at relevant meetings, professional forums, and stakeholder engagements.
• Prepare and review management papers, project submissions, technical recommendations, and presentations.
• Build team capability through coaching and sharing professional expertise.

What we are looking for:

• Areas of study in Civil or Environmental Engineering recognised by the Professional Engineers Board of Singapore.
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in engineering or project management, preferably involving coastal, land reclamation, infrastructure, geotechnical, hydraulic or Nature-based Solutions projects.
• Experience in providing functional guidance to junior staff and with people-management skills.
• Strong project-management capabilities, including experience in managing project scope, budgets, schedules, procurement and multidisciplinary stakeholders, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic working environment.
• Sound technical judgement and the ability to evaluate complex engineering issues and recommend practical solutions, supported by strong critical-thinking, analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong collaborative, interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills, with good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare management submissions and present technical matters clearly.
• An independent and adaptable individual with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to shared organisational goals.
• Familiarity with relevant engineering design and analysis software would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will be offered contract employment. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Parks Board

At the National Parks Board (NParks), we take pride in conserving our natural heritage and enhancing green spaces for all to enjoy in our City in Nature. We have a multi-talented and highly passionate team that is driven by the goal to create a unique world-class living environment through excellence in biodiversity conservation, greenery and recreation, and veterinary care in partnership with the community. If you share our love for nature and animals, and our zest for innovation and continuous learning, we have the perfect working environment for you.