Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics - ******** )
Future Practice Leadership Opportunity | Brisbane
About Us
At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it.
Guided by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we collaborate and build on each other's contributions to make great things possible.
With more than 15,000 professionals worldwide, HDR delivers architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services across some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.
In Queensland, our team is currently delivering major transport and infrastructure projects including the Coomera Connector Program, Inland Rail and a growing portfolio of road, rail, bridge and water projects.
As part of our expanding global practice, we are looking for a highly experienced engineer who wants a platform to shape the future and leave a legacy.
A Rare Leadership Opportunity
HDR is currently seeking a
Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics
to take on a key technical leadership role across nationally significant road, rail and bridge projects.
This is a senior, visible position suited to a recognised practitioner who thrives on setting direction, solving the hard problems and elevating the capability of the next generation of engineers.
Working alongside our Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics, you will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the discipline, contributing to technical leadership, business growth, team development and client relationships across Queensland and Australia.
Beyond technical delivery, you will play an important role in team development, client relationships, business growth and long-term practice leadership within an established and growing national capability.
Why This Role Is Different
This prospect combines:
The technical challenge of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
The support of HDR's global water and transportation network.
A highly collaborative, employee-owned culture.
The opportunity to help shape and grow an established discipline.
Meaningful influence over business direction and team development.
A clear pathway to increased leadership responsibility within the practice.
If you've reached a point in your career where you're looking for more influence, broader impact and the opportunity to help build something long-term, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects
Review flood modelling and technical reporting
Apply advanced engineering techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges
Conduct flood risk analysis, floodplain management,



and bridge-related flood assessments, including scour analysis
Mentor, coach, and provide direction to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence
Stay current with relevant government manuals, guidelines, legislation and best-practice sustainability and flood resiliency approaches
Liaise with statutory authorities and provide technical guidance for project approvals
Participate in the development and implementation of technology strategies within HDR's engineering practice
Client and Business Leadership
Build and strengthen relationships with clients, contractors, government agencies and industry stakeholders
Support business development initiatives, proposals, pursuits and strategic growth opportunities
Partner with the Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics to help guide the future direction of the practice
Contribute to strategic planning, capability growth and succession planning initiatives
Act as a trusted technical advisor on major infrastructure programs
People and Culture
Support the ongoing growth and capability of the hydraulics team through coaching, mentoring, and leadership
Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration and innovation
Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including collaboration across HDR's global offices
About You
You are a recognised hydrology and hydraulics specialist who enjoys tackling complex flood problems, guiding others through uncertainty, and being trusted as the technical voice in the room.
12+ years' experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water-related civil engineering
Extensive experience in flood modelling, including 1D and 2D hydraulic modelling (TUFLOW essential)
Strong knowledge of Australian Rainfall and Runoff, transport authority design standards and relevant legislation
Proficiency in GIS (e.g., MapInfo, ArcGIS, QGIS) and CADD software
Proven ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and manage complex disciplines within projects
Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and proactive solutions-focused mindset
Confidence in influencing team direction, shaping successful work practices, and supporting leadership in strategic decisions
Experience with CFD (Flow3D) and advanced modelling software (MikeFLOOD, Mike3D, TUFLOW FV, Delft3D, etc)
Interface experience in water quality treatments, stormwater management and drainage design




Proficiency in 12d Model, HY-8, TMR Culvert, CulvertMaster, OpenRoads Designer, or similar design tools
Active involvement in national hydrology or water engineering communities
Track record of sharing technical innovations through publications and industry presentations
Qualifications
Bachelor's or master's degree in civil, environmental, or other relevant engineering discipline
Chartered status with Engineers Australia or equivalent
RPEQ accreditation and eligibility for RPEV
Why Join Us?
At HDR, work is more than a job, it's a chance to genuinely shape the communities we live in.
If you're ready to accelerate your career with purpose and make your mark on the future of our communities, we want to hear from you.
#LI-CG3
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
Professional engineering license recognised by the licensing board for the location of the position offered.
Example: Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland.
What We Believe
HDR is our company.
Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day.
This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute.
Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work.
As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.
Primary Location
Australia-QLD-Brisbane
Industry
Highway + Road
Schedule
Full-time
Employee Status
Regular
Job Posting
Oct 22, ****
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.
We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employe r.
We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Ready to learn more?
Let's work together to make great thingspossible.
We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges.
We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology And Hydraulics (Brisbane)
🏢 HDR
📍 Brisbane