Posted 28/05/2026
Closes 11/06/2026
Brisbane Airport, 4008, Brisbane, Queensland
Full time
Not specified
Role Seniority - senior
More about the Principal Engineer - Transport Planning & Advisory role at SMEC
Create futures worth inheriting with SMEC and the SJ Group
About SJ Group
At SJ, we’re building identity into infrastructure, character into skylines and peace of mind into everyday life.
A global urban and infrastructure consultancy firm with over 75 years of project delivery success, SJ and its member companies continue a collective legacy that delivers global expertise with local precision.
Become part of our 16,000 client-centric specialists in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries who shape spaces across the world to meet the needs of today and the aspirations of generations to come.
About SMEC
We unlock the potential of our people to look at infrastructure differently, creating better outcomes for the future.
We are committed to positively impact the people, the environment and the clients and communities we serve.
The Role
Lead. Influence. Shape the future of transport.
An exceptional opportunity exists for a Principal Engineer – Transport Planning & Advisory to join a leading multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy. This is a pivotal leadership role for an experienced professional ready to drive technical excellence, mentor high-performing teams, and play a key role in winning and delivering complex, large-scale projects.
As a Principal Engineer, you will provide expert technical leadership and advanced project management capability across a diverse portfolio of transport planning and advisory projects. You will play a critical role in reviewing major projects, guiding concept design development, and contributing to business growth through targeted work-winning activities.
You will also take a leadership position within the team by mentoring, coaching, and developing engineers while contributing to the strategic direction of the discipline.
Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide leadership and proactively collaborate with team members, contributors and stakeholders to maintain quality, timeliness and co-ordination of project deliverables
Provide significant supervision, leadership, mentoring and coaching of more junior staff
Encourage and assist others to build strong internal and external networks and relationships
Take an active leadership role within the team in collaboration with Manager / Team Leader
Technical Excellence
Provide expert advice and demonstrate advanced technical skills, ensuring that analysis and design tasks meet appropriate technical standards and client requirements
Apply expert engineering knowledge and judgement to deliver practical and economical solutions
Oversee development of functional specifications and produce high-quality technical reports
Propose alternative and innovative solutions where required
Project & Commercial Management
Demonstrate high level project management skills to deliver outcomes on time and to the required standard
Plan and manage complex large-scale projects, including cost estimates, tender submissions, technical documentation, and project scheduling
Manage project scope, risk, resources, and financial performance
Drive Quality Assurance and ensure adherence to QA, EMS and OH&S requirements
Actively contribute to the commercial success of projects and support business development initiatives
Business Development & Strategy
Contribute to targeting and securing new work
Develop proposals, including leading teams to deliver submissions
Develop new client relationships and enhance existing ones
Contribute to business planning, profitability, and strategic growth of the discipline
Maintain a strong industry profile and actively participate in industry associations
About You
You are a highly accomplished transport professional with strong leadership capability, a commercial mindset, and a passion for delivering high-quality outcomes.
Suitable applicants will be/have:
Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering) or equivalent
Member of Engineers Australia
CPEng, RPEQ
20+ years’ relevant professional experience
Well-established profile within the industry
Extensive QA experience
High level consulting and client management skills
Strong business planning, budgeting and commercial acumen
Advanced communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly
Proven project management capability across scope, cost, and schedule
Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards and specifications
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
Flexible, collaborative, and proactive working style
Ability to manage competing priorities and perform under pressure
Why Join Us?
Work on diverse and challenging infrastructure projects
Be part of a collaborative, high-performing team
Opportunities for professional growth and career progression
Contribute to meaningful projects with social, environmental, and economic impact
For a confidential conversation reach out to Ami on **********@smec.com
To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at www.smec.com/careers
Link to benefits: http://www.smec.com/en_au/careers/your-career-with-SMEC
All recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resume directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.
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At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!
Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the SMEC team will be there to support your growth.
Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined
Key Responsibilities
Key Strengths
A Final Note: This is a role with SMEC not with Hatch.