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Temporary Principal Engineer (Civil)
North Queensland Region; Program Delivery & Operations; Infrastructure Management and Delivery; Cairns
Temporary Principal Engineer role available until 30 June 2031
An exciting, fixed term temporary opportunity has become available for a high-level Principal Engineer to manage the delivery of the Barron River Bridge Upgrade project, Far North Queensland’s flagship project.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Engineering & Surveying |
| Classification | PO6 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/683378/26 |
| Closing date | 08-Apr-2026 |
| Job duration | Until 30.6.2031 with possible extension |
| Contact person | Devinder Pal |
| Contact details | Phone: 0477 303 169 Access the National Relay Service |
In the role of Temporary Principal Engineer (Civil) you will manage the delivery of the Barron River Bridge (Kuranda) Replacement project, overseeing all aspects of project delivery, including contract administration, design verification and stakeholder management. You will provide specialist technical expertise and advice to professional and technical staff, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, policies, and legislation. Your leadership will be essential in monitoring progress, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring the successful delivery of the project within the agreed timeframes, quality standards, budget and stakeholder expectations. You will also ensure the project remains aligned with the agreed scope and best practices. If time permits, the Principal Engineer may also take on the project management of other QTRIP infrastructure projects.
Mandatory qualifications and conditions
• A Washington Accord accredited four-year degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent recognised by Engineers Australia.
• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) is mandatory for appointment to the position.
• The employee may be required to mentor and supervise the work of non-RPEQs within the Project.
• Current holder of Class C driver's license.
• Criminal history screening will be conducted for the recommended person for this role.
• Must be eligible to work in Australia.
• Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.
Desirable Experience
• Previous experience in identifying or developing a program of works to address key strategic outcomes, particularly within the framework of a Collaborative Project Agreement (CPA).
• Previous experience in delivering a program of works in highly constrained or sensitive environments, such as the Wet Tropics, where environmental, cultural, and logistical challenges require innovative and sustainable solutions, including navigating Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act referral and approval processes.
• Previous experience in managing conflicting stakeholder viewpoints on projects, particularly in collaborative delivery models such as ECI CPA, to achieve defensible and mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Significant years of experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team to successfully deliver a large infrastructure project involving a significant bridge structure component.
Why you should consider TMR:
• Generous employer superannuation contribution - up to 12.75%
• Five weeks annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• RPEQ compensation payment
• Reimbursement of professional membership fees
• Flexible work options
• Professional development opportunities
• Salary packaging arrangements
• Health and well-being incentives
• Assistance with relocation expenses
For further information about this position and details on how to apply, please refer to the role description.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/683378/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 08 April 2026
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.
