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Principal Engineer – Roads and Highways

SMEC


Job Location:

Townsville - Australia

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 17 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 14 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About the job

  • Join a global consultancy delivering iconic infrastructure projects
  • Work alongside industry-leading specialists in a collaborative flexible environment
  • Shape your career with genuine professional growth opportunities

About SMEC

SMEC is a global engineering consultancy renowned for delivering complex sustainable infrastructure solutions across transport water energy and urban development markets. Our teams are empowered to innovate solve technical challenges and contribute to projects that positively shape communities across Australia and worldwide.

We are committed to building a diverse inclusive and genderequitable workforce and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds across engineering and technical disciplines. SMEC provides a supportive and flexible working environment that recognises individual contribution supports career progression and enables our people to balance work and life at all stages of their career.

As a familyfriendly employer we offer flexible working arrangements and benefits including 18 weeks of universal paid parental leave. We are proud to foster an inclusive culture that supports gender equity LGBTI inclusion and First Nations representation with access to strong professional networks role models and mentoring and sponsorship programs.


Infrastructure

At SMEC we understand that our continued success within the infrastructure market is the result of building long-term client relationships. We listen and understand the specific needs of our clients and deliver a complete value chain of services to provide sustainable solutions across major infrastructure projects worldwide.

The Role

SMEC is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer Roads & Highways to play a key leadership role in the continued growth of our North Queensland business. Based in Townsville you will lead the delivery of major transport infrastructure projects across the region while helping to strengthen our client relationships technical capability and local presence.

This is an opportunity to influence the future of transport infrastructure in North Queensland working with a highly regarded team on projects that improve connectivity and create lasting community outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead the design and delivery of complex roads and highways projects across North Queensland
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary project teams
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat work and business growth
  • Oversee project performance ensuring quality budget and programme requirements are achieved
  • Mentor and develop engineers fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration
  • Support strategic planning and contribute to the continued growth of our Roads & Highways capability in the region
  • Collaborate with teams across Australia and New Zealand to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions

About You

You are an experienced civil engineering leader with a strong technical background in transport infrastructure and a passion for developing people and growing client relationships.

Suitable applicants will have:

  • A Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
  • Approximately 15 years experience in roads and highways design and project delivery
  • Strong knowledge of Queensland transport infrastructure standards guidelines and approval processes
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering major infrastructure projects
  • Proven business development and client management capabilities
  • Strong commercial acumen and project management skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
  • A commitment to technical excellence innovation and continuous improvement
  • Chartered status (or eligibility to obtain Chartered status) highly regarded
  • Flexibility to undertake occasional domestic travel as required

Why SMEC

At SMEC youll join a collaborative team delivering meaningful infrastructure projects that support regional growth and improve communities across North Queensland. As part of a global engineering consultancy youll have access to diverse career opportunities technical specialists and industry-leading projects while maintaining the benefits of a strong local presence.

Be part of a team thats shaping the future of transport infrastructure across North Queensland and beyond.

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted online. To apply click on the Apply Now link below and follow the prompts.

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Carl Thiedeke

To find out more about SMEC please visit our careers page at recruitment activities go through our Resourcing function and currently this role doesnt require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

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Required Experience:

Staff IC


About Company

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For more than 70 years, SMEC has built a reputation as a trusted partner on major transport and energy infrastructure projects around the world.

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