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Principal Technician (Materials)
Central Queensland Region; Program Delivery & Operations; Infrastructure Management and Delivery; Mackay
An exciting permanent opportunity has become available for a Principal Technician (Materials) to join the Materials Laboratory team, Technical Services unit Mackay/Whitsunday District, based in Mackay.
As Principal Technician (Materials) you will provide specialist technical advice to internal and external stakeholders, collaborate with regional and state Materials Services teams and contribute as a senior member of the statewide TMR Materials Services community.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Technical |
| Classification | TO5 |
| Workplace Location | Mackay region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/671540/25 |
| Closing date | 09-Dec-2025 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Daniel Dent |
| Contact details | Phone: 07 4951 8595 Access the National Relay Service |
As Principal Technician (Materials), you will provide expert advice on departmental standards, procedures, and technical systems to TMR and industry. You will lead research and investigation projects to enhance materials testing and practices, deliver specialist laboratory, field and surveillance services, and support technology transfer for transport infrastructure.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading and managing materials facilities, staff, and operations, fostering innovation to meet client needs.
• Developing strategies and managing complex testing, surveillance, and audit services for QTRIP delivery.
• Contributing to new systems, procedures, methodologies, and standards for TMR and industry.
• Providing specialist advice on materials testing, geotechnical instruments, equipment calibration, audits, and compliance with NATA standards.
• Monitoring laboratory performance and advising on strategies to maintain technical governance.
Further information on the role can be found in the attached role description.
Mandatory qualifications and conditions
• Possession of a Diploma of Laboratory Technology or acceptable equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution or registered training organisation is mandatory.
• Current holder of a Class C driver licence.
• Must be eligible to work in Australia
• Due to this role having access to sensitive data, a criminal history check will be undertaken prior to appointment to the role.
• Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.
Desirable requirements
• Possession of an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations or acceptable equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution or registered training organisation is desirable.
• Recognised as a NATA signatory accountable for the veracity of Test certificates and Sampling Certificates in keeping with the departments Corporate NATA Accreditation.
What We Offer:
• Competitive remuneration, including generous superannuation and leave provisions.
• Five weeks of annual leave plus an additional leave day each year
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Employer superannuation contributions up to 12.75%.
• Annual leave loading.
• Salary packaging arrangements.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous parental leave entitlements.
• Relocation assistance.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/671540/25
Closing Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
