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Executive Director (Rail Engineering and Systems)
Rail Infrastructure Delivery; Rail; Brisbane
The Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office (RIDO) is seeking an accomplished and technically authoritative executive to join as Executive Director (Rail Engineering & Systems). This is a rare opportunity to step into a defining leadership role at the centre of Queensland’s rail future. In this role, you will hold stewardship of the engineering integrity, safety and assurance frameworks that underpin some of the most significant rail infrastructure investments in the nation. You will not only influence how major rail projects are conceived, designed and delivered today, you will shape how Queenslanders move, connect and thrive for decades to come. Your impact will be tangible and enduring: safer journeys, more reliable networks, stronger public confidence, and infrastructure that stands as a benchmark nationally and globally as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Job details
| Position status | Contract |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Executive |
| Classification | SES2(H) |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/686800/26 |
| Closing date | 15-May-2026 |
| Job duration | 5 years |
| Contact person | Neil McEwan (Davidson) |
| Contact details | Ph: 0403 597 905 Access the National Relay Service |
The Executive Director (Rail Engineering & Systems) role is a career‑defining opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on Queensland's rail network, influencing how the system is engineered, assured, integrated and operated for decades to come. Reporting to the General Manager (RIDO), you will hold enterprise‑level accountability for engineering and systems assurance across one of the largest rail infrastructure investment programs in Australia.
As the most senior engineering and systems authority within RIDO, you will shape the direction of rail engineering, systems integration and safety assurance across the full project lifecycle — from early planning and procurement through to delivery, commissioning and operational handover. You will do so within an organisation recognised for its strong track record of delivery, where technical rigour and assurance are central to achieving outcomes. Your leadership will directly influence the long‑term reliability, resilience and performance of Queensland's rail infrastructure, with impacts felt daily by passengers, regional communities and the broader economy.
Queensland is entering a once‑in‑a‑generation period of rail investment, including projects critical to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This role offers a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of technical excellence, public value and national significance, contributing outcomes that extend well beyond state borders and position Queensland as a leader in modern rail delivery.
The role combines deep technical authority with strategic influence. You will lead the development and consistent application of engineering and technical standards, oversee system assurance activities such as risk management, independent safety assessments and safety case development, and provide trusted, evidence‑based advice to senior executives and government stakeholders on complex, high‑risk engineering matters. Building on RIDO's reputation for disciplined delivery, you will work closely with delivery partners, industry and internal teams to build strong relationships, drive innovation through modern engineering practices, and strengthen organisational capability by fostering a high‑performing engineering culture and mentoring future leaders.
This position will appeal to a highly experienced rail or infrastructure executive motivated by impact, stewardship and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for Queenslanders.
Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
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Documents
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