Principal Structures Engineer (SME)

About the Role

The Principal Structures Engineer (SME) is a senior technical leadership position responsible for providing authoritative guidance and assurance across complex infrastructure projects. This role offers the opportunity to influence engineering outcomes at a program-wide level, ensuring structural solutions meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.
As the Subject Matter Expert, you will lead the structural discipline team, define technical strategy, and champion innovation and standardisation. You will oversee design reviews, governance, and compliance, while fostering collaboration and capability development within the team.

Travel: Approximately once per month (2–3 days per trip to Brisbane)


Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and assurance for structural assets including bridges, culverts, and retaining walls.
• Lead and mentor a specialist engineering team, driving technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement program-wide technical strategies and standards.
• Conduct high-level design reviews and ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Represent the discipline through industry engagement and thought leadership.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and the ability to influence at an executive level. You will have a proven track record in structural engineering for rail or major infrastructure projects and a commitment to delivering best-practice solutions.


Essential:

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in structural engineering.
• Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering and Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
• Demonstrated experience in rail infrastructure or large-scale structural projects.
• Ability to communicate technical insights clearly at executive level.

Desirable:

• State-based certifications (RPEQ, RPEV) and ARTC accreditations.
• Experience in asset management and operational aspects of rail infrastructure.
• Recognised industry authority (e.g., published papers, conference presentations).

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to step into a senior leadership position where your expertise will shape the future of critical infrastructure. You will work alongside industry leaders, contribute to innovative solutions, and be part of a culture that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth.


Next Steps

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Anna Dziopa on 07 3003 7787.



At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.