Principal Engineers

Principal Engineer - SME

About Inland Rail

The
Inland Rail
Program is a 1600km rail infrastructure project stretching from Brisbane to Melbourne incorporating new and existing rail track. The program includes the upgrading of existing standard gauge track, the enhancement of existing standard gauge track to cater for double stacking and the construction of new standard gauge links comprising of viaducts, tunnels, rail track, crossings and bridges. More information relating to the project can be found here: Inland Rail

About the opportunity

Shape the Future of Australian Rail-Your Expertise Matters

Principal Engineer - Program Level (3 roles available)

• Civil & Geotechnical
• Track
• Structures

Are you ready to leave your mark on Australia's largest and most transformative infrastructure projects? We're looking for passionate and experienced engineering professionals to lead their technical domain and help deliver a legacy project that will benefit communities for generations.

This is a rare career opportunity making a meaningful impact-driving innovation, building the national freight transport, and elevating your status in industry.

Why You'll Love This Role
As the Principal Engineer, you'll be the trusted technical authority-guiding design excellence, challenging convention, and collaborating with diverse teams to deliver smart, performance-based solutions.
You'll also have the opportunity to step into the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) role
, leading the technical teams, helping shape strategy and capability across the entire Inland Rail Program.

We're committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where your voice is heard, your expertise is valued, and your career can thrive.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead technical solutions across the full Inland Rail program
• Provide expert advice on design and delivery risks
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Prepare high-level technical papers and board presentations
• Champion innovation and engineering value management
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture

About you

We're looking for people who bring deep technical expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for making a difference. You'll ideally have:

• Extensive experience in your discipline, with a strong track record in rail infrastructure
• Tertiary qualifications in engineering
• CPEng certification (RPEQ/RPEV desirable)
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Experience influencing at senior levels and driving industry standards

This is more than a job-it's a chance to be part of something bigger. We welcome applications from all professional backgrounds and are keen to hear from passionate individuals ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future of infrastructure in Australia.

What you'll be joining

• You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
• This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
• Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
• Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State-of-the Art office embracing flexible working conditions.
• Inland Rail adopted a collaborative approach to the delivery of the project, leading all parties involved to work toward the same goal. This fosters the displayed behaviours of Respect, Honesty, Integrity and Reliability.

Our Organisation and Culture

Inland Rail is an equal opportunity employer. Inland Rail will transform how we move goods around Australia - better connecting producers to markets and creating new opportunities for businesses, industries and regional community. The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (CARE). We welcome like-minded individuals who value our culture.

At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.

All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.

Apply Now

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre-employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol-free working environment.

Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don't delay your application.