Principal Drainage Engineer - Water Resources
Hybrid · Brisbane, Queensland, Australia or Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Job Summary
Principal Drainage Engineer with 10+ years in drainage engineering and water resources. Leads delivery of drainage designs, stormwater management plans, and hydraulic modelling using 12D; provides expert input into hydrologic/hydraulic analysis with 12D and DRAINS; develops practical solutions to drainage, flooding, and water quality challenges; reviews and approves engineering designs and documentation; mentors engineers and supports project delivery, client engagement, and work-winning activities. Ensures alignment with Australian standards (TMR Drainage Manual, AR&R, QUDM). Engages with clients, regulators, and stakeholders, staying current with tools and regulatory changes. Strong emphasis on technical excellence, governance, and collaborative problem-solving. Based in Brisbane or Gold Coast offices with hybrid work options, under AECOM’s global infrastructure practice.
Required Qualifications
- CPEng (Engineers Australia) and RPEQ (Board of Professional Engineers Queensland) – essential or being eligible to obtain
- Proven professional experience (ideally 10+ years) in drainage engineering, water resources, or related civil engineering disciplines
- Proven experience delivering complex drainage projects using 12D software
- Demonstrated experience in drainage design, including open channel and piped systems, culverts, and stormwater management for roads, rail, and major civil works
- Strong knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, water quality, and stormwater management practices
- Demonstrated experience with a combination of relevant software such as 12D, DRAINS, XP-STORM, MUSIC, and/or similar tools
- Good working knowledge of TMR Drainage Manual, AR&R, QUDM, and relevant Australian Standards and guidelines
- Experience in contributing to proposals and supporting work-winning within a consultancy environment
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and provide technical oversight and quality assurance
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience with GIS tools (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS) and detailed road and rail design (highly regarded)
- If you don’t meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply.
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