Principal Civil Engineer - Cairns

WSP

Cairns +1 more

On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have 15+ years of transport infrastructure experience and leadership in bridges, roads, and structures.

Best fit for

Candidates with 15+ years of transport infrastructure experience in a consultancy setting
— “At least 15 years’ experience delivering transport infrastructure projects, ideally within a consultancy environment”
Candidates with proven technical leadership in bridges, roads, and structures
— “Strong expertise in bridges, roads, and structural civil engineering”
Candidates who thrive in a collaborative, client-oriented environment with a focus on mentorship
— “Guide and mentor junior and mid-level engineers, supporting capability building within the team”

Things to consider

The role requires adherence to Queensland TMR standards and approval processes
— “In-depth knowledge of Queensland TMR standards and approval processes”
The position involves managing small to medium projects, including budgets and timelines
— “Manage and oversee small to medium projects, including scope, fees, programme, and resources”

How to stand out

Highlight your ability to provide technical leadership and risk management in complex projects
— “Provide senior technical leadership across complex transport infrastructure projects”
Emphasize your experience in delivering high-quality design documentation and reports
— “Lead and review high-quality technical reports, drawings, and design documentation”
Showcase your track record in building client relationships and delivering trusted advice
— “Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing trusted technical and commercial advice”
Demonstrate your capability in cross-disciplinary and cross-regional collaboration
— “Collaborate across disciplines and regions to deliver integrated solutions”
Demonstrate your commitment to safety, health, environment, and quality outcomes
— “Drive safety, health, environment, and quality outcomes across all project activities”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Company

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Provided senior technical leadership in major transport infrastructure projects
Led project delivery and managed small to medium projects

Typical background

15+ years of experience in transport infrastructure projectsDegree in Civil Engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Civil EngineeringBridgesRoadsStructuresProject ManagementTechnical LeadershipClient Relationship ManagementMentorship

Preferred

Queensland TMR StandardsRPEQ

Stack & domain

Civil EngineeringBridgesRoadsStructuresQueensland TMR StandardsLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationRPEQTransport Infrastructure

About the role

Original posting from WSP

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and collaborate with leading experts to deliver complex, high‑impact outcomes. Our culture values technical excellence, leadership, and diverse perspectives, giving you the opportunity to shape infrastructure that matters while building a career defined by influence and purpose.
The Opportunity
As a Principal Civil Engineer specialising in Bridges, Roads and Structures, you will play a key technical and leadership role in major transport infrastructure projects across North Queensland and beyond. You will provide senior technical oversight, lead project delivery, mentor engineers, and act as a trusted advisor to clients. This is a role for an experienced professional looking to influence outcomes at a strategic level while remaining technically engaged.
This role is based in WSP’s Cairns office, with flexible work arrangements available.
What You’ll Do:
Provide senior technical leadership across complex transport infrastructure projects.Act as a design authority, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and risk management.Lead and review high‑quality technical reports, drawings, and design documentation.Manage and oversee small to medium projects, including scope, fees, programme, and resources.Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing trusted technical and commercial advice.Guide and mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, supporting capability building within the team.Collaborate across disciplines and regions to deliver integrated solutions.Drive safety, health, environment, and quality outcomes across all project activities.Contribute to business development through bids, tenders, and strategic opportunities.
What You’ll Bring:
A degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline, with RPEQ.At least 15 years’ experience delivering transport infrastructure projects, ideally within a consultancy environment.Strong expertise in bridges, roads, and structural civil engineering.In‑depth knowledge of Queensland TMR standards and approval processes.Proven ability to provide technical leadership and independent engineering judgement.Experience managing projects, including budget, programme, and client expectations.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.A collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to quality and safety.
Why Choose Us?
Join a high‑performing team where your experience and leadership will shape infrastructure outcomes for communities across Australia. At WSP, we invest in our people, support flexible working, and provide opportunities to lead, mentor, and influence at scale.
Our global team of more than 83,000 professionals works together to deliver solutions that future‑proof communities around the world.
An Employee Share Purchase Plan is available to all permanent employees, offering the opportunity to become owners and vested partners in WSP’s success. We are committed to the health, wellbeing, and development of our people and offer a range of benefits designed to support you throughout your career.
With us, you can. Apply today.

Source: WSP careers