Principal Engineer (Civil) | Mackay

Ready to use your engineering expertise to influence how major transport infrastructure is delivered?

Transport and Main Roads is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to join Delivery & Operations in Mackay/Whitsunday District. This senior role provides the opportunity to influence the delivery of the District's infrastructure program, provide trusted advice on complex delivery matters and support project managers to achieve strong project and program outcomes.

Central Queensland Region delivers and maintains transport infrastructure across a diverse area of more than 600,000 km², from the Capricorn Coast and Outstanding Barrier Reef hinterland to the central-west outback. Across the region, TMR manages more than 9,000 km of state-controlled roads and 1,500 km of the National Land Transport Network, supporting the delivery of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).

About the role

Reporting to the Manager (Delivery & Operations), you'll support the strategic delivery of the District's infrastructure program and provide leadership and guidance to project managers across the development and implementation of road infrastructure projects. The role also has six direct reports. You will:

- provide authoritative strategic and operational program management advice to the District Director and Program Managers
- provide project management leadership across the District's portfolio of transport infrastructure projects
- monitor project progress against program priorities and provide clear reporting to senior leaders
- build productive relationships with government agencies, industry, stakeholders, communities and internal clients




- lead consultation and communication activities associated with the District program
- ensure projects meet relevant technical standards, policies, guidelines and legislative requirements
- investigate and resolve complex project, planning and technical issues
- prepare submissions and reports that support value for money and effective project delivery
- act as Representative of the Principal for the delivery of contracts when delegated

What you'll bring

You'll combine robust civil engineering expertise with experience in complex road program development and delivery. You'll understand program and project management, contract administration and infrastructure delivery, and be confident providing clear advice on complex matters. Just as importantly, you'll know how to build constructive relationships, communicate technical concepts clearly and work with stakeholders to achieve practical outcomes.

A four-year Washington Accord accredited Bachelor of Engineering, or recognised equivalent, RPEQ registration and a current Class C driver licence are mandatory requirements for the role.

Benefits

Along with the opportunity to play a senior role in the delivery of regional transport infrastructure, you'll enjoy:

- 5 weeks annual leave
- RPEQ compensation payments
- superannuation and leave loading benefits
- flexible working arrangements
- opportunities to broaden your engineering, program management and leadership experience while working across a diverse infrastructure portfolio.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, program leadership and stakeholder engagement to directly influence transport infrastructure outcomes, we'd like to hear from you.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/707112/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 3 December 2026

📌 Principal Engineer (Civil) (Mackay)
🏢 Department of Transport and Main Roads
📍 Mackay