Principal Civil Engineer PO5

Role Title:Principal Engineer (Civil)

Classification:PO5

Team:Preservation & Maintenance

Contract Length: 12 Months

Location: Gold Coast

Business Unit Responsibilities:

The Delivery team operates across three key areas:

• Pre-Construction: Managing preliminary and detailed designs for regional projects, including early works like service relocations and resumptions.

• Construction: Overseeing project delivery on-site, managing contracts, and supervising works to ensure quality and safety.

• Maintenance: Maintaining and safeguarding infrastructure assets through ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation projects, and safety enhancements.

Team Responsibilities:

This position is part of the Preservation & Maintenance team, which focuses on ensuring infrastructure assets are well-maintained, safe, and effective through various projects and initiatives.

About the Role:

As the Principal Engineer (Civil), you will play a key role in delivering major road infrastructure projects in the South Coast region. Your technical expertise and leadership will ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. You will provide expert guidance, manage contracts, and coordinate with stakeholders to keep projects running smoothly, contributing to safer, more reliable roads for communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare progress reports, tracking actual and forecasted expenditures.

• Represent the department in contract delivery during various project phases.

• Identify and address quality and environmental considerations to support project success.

• Manage tender processes, evaluate proposals, and oversee contract awards.

• Provide technical advice on planning, design, material selection, and construction practices.

• Coordinate project activities and resource management to ensure efficient delivery.

• Ensure all work complies with relevant standards, policies, and legislative requirements.

• Supervise and motivate resources and team members, fostering collaboration and a positive work environment.

• Engage with stakeholders, manage expectations, and address high-risk or political issues professionally.

About You:

The ideal candidate will have a strong civil engineering background with proven experience managing complex road projects. You should be confident in managing multiple project phases, providing technical leadership, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. Your passion for infrastructure safety, sustainability, and team leadership will be essential to your success.

What you need:

• Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent), recognised by Engineers Australia.

• Current Class C driver's licence.

• Construction Industry Induction (White Card).

• Own suitable PPE and meet criminal history screening requirements.

• Proven experience delivering civil infrastructure projects, particularly roads, in diverse environments.

• Ability to develop contract documentation, assess tenders, and manage contractual processes.

• Experience supervising technical staff, mentoring engineers and graduates, and managing high-performing teams.

• A solid understanding of policies, standards, and legislation relevant to road infrastructure projects.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations professionally.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead significant infrastructure projects that improve community connectivity and safety. If you enjoy technical leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and making a tangible impact through civil engineering, we'd love to hear from you. 

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion