Lead Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Based at our Newstead office, however open to other suitable candidates from other states, the Lead Mechanical Engineer of Performance Based Standards Scheme (PBS) is one of the senior engineers within the NHVR, specialising in vehicle design and technical standards. The role provides expert technical advice on the application and interpretation of the PBS scheme, as well as leadership of the PBS design and vehicle approval functions. As a senior engineer, the role provides mentoring and supervision of other engineers and ensures the continuous approvement of the PBS scheme and how it is administered.

Key responsibilities of this role are:

Provide sound engineering advice to the Chief Engineer, and other areas of NHVR as required, on heavy vehicle safety and productivity matters.

• Supervise the timely and efficient processing of all PBS design and vehicle approvals, ensuring the quality and accuracy of approvals while maintaining customer service standards for processing times.
• Provide technical leadership on PBS design approvals, carrying out complex assessments and resolving escalations of technical matters.
• Provide specialist professional technical guidance on the application of heavy vehicle safety standards, modifications, manufacturers' specifications, performance-based standards (PBS) and design rules in accordance with national and international standards.
• Mentor and support the professional development of the PBS teams, including contributing to an engineering community of practice within the NHVR.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, evaluation and continued improvement of PBS-related policies and processes.
• Lead change management processes within the PBS teams associated with moving the administration of the scheme into a digital environment.

NHVR's Safety and Productivity team are currently undertaking growth and considerable transformation, and this is an exciting time to join the organisation.

To learn more, the position description can be found on the NHVR Careers site -

About You

As the ideal candidate you will have a depth of experience in a similar position and will be well versed in heavy vehicle engineering and its associated standards and legislation. You will have had experience with leading a team in delivering to a high standard and with tight deadlines whilst providing technical expertise.

Motivated to contribute to outcomes, you will be an out of the box thinker, who thrives in solving complex technical matters and discussions and setting your team up for success. Your exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills will see you successfully work with a diverse internal and external group.

To be successful in this role you will possess

• Have 9+ years of Senior Mechanical Engineering experience.
• Hold a Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering Qualifications with a strong technical understanding of and experience in the interpretation and application of the vehicle safety standards, performance-based standards, Australian Design Rules and other relevant legislation and standards.
• Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ) or equivalent qualifications which will allow for certification as RPEQ within three months of commencement.
• Proven ability in the development, implementation and finalisation of complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders with a track record of achieving desired outcomes.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of heavy vehicle safety standards, inspection techniques, equipment, facilities and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated experience with leading and mentoring a team.

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer

• A competitive salary package
• Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home
• Up to 14.5% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
• Leave loading 17.5%
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support
• Professional membership

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.

Applications close: 19th October 2025 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the NHVR recruitment team on

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.