Principal Civil Engineer - Infrastructure Design & Delivery

Job Description

Pivotal Principal Civil Engineering role for a civil engineer who wants more than just project work — this is a chance to lead, shape client relationships, win work, and build a practice. Based in Sydney and working across NSW, you will plan, lead and deliver multi-disciplinary civil infrastructure projects spanning defence, transport, rail, energy, land development and stormwater. You will bring deep technical capability to projects that have real-world consequence, backed by one of the strongest civil engineering networks in the country.

If you’ve been delivering strong technical work and wondering what the next step looks like — this is it. You will have genuine autonomy to lead projects end-to-end, develop client relationships across a portfolio of markets, and actively contribute to winning work. You will also play a meaningful role in developing the people around you, with real scope to shape the direction of AECOM’s civil engineering practice in NSW.

Key role responsibilities include:

• Lead and deliver civil infrastructure projects across defence, transport, energy and land development, taking responsibility for technical quality, design management, budget and programme.
• Complete and lead primary design elements across stormwater and drainage, bulk earthworks, roads and pavements, water and wastewater infrastructure, and utilities coordination.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships across a range of sectors — from defence and government through to transport agencies, energy developers and land developers — acting as a trusted advisor from early engagement through delivery.
• Support project delivery excellence across technical verification, design governance, risk management, working within project commercial requirements.
• Coordinate across disciplines and stakeholders to resolve interfaces, manage project risks and apply a strong quality focus to documentation, checking and design verification.
• Lead and support business development activities including opportunity identification, capture planning, fee estimation and proposal preparation; mentor and develop junior civil engineers within the team.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Principal Civil Engineer with a track record designing and delivering a range of civil engineering and infrastructure related projects across industries. 

You know how to get things built. You can navigate the gap between a rigorous design and a practical site outcome, and you understand that great engineering is as much about relationships and communication as it is about technical execution. You are looking for a role that rewards that breadth.

You will be known for your ability to lead teams across stakeholders while working collaboratively, encouraging problem solving, with a delivery focus.

• 10+ years of post-graduate experience in civil and site infrastructure design, with demonstrated capability in technical execution and Design Management across multi-disciplinary projects.
• Proficiency in civil design software including DRAINS, 12D and AutoCAD; working knowledge of Austroads and the ability to interpret and apply local authority and client-specific standards.
• Client relationship and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive client relationships at a senior level.
• Sound knowledge of relevant Australian civil engineering and infrastructure standards; experience working on Defence projects is highly regarded but not essential.
• Ideally a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) designation or equivalent international accreditation, supported by a relevant engineering or similar tertiary qualification.
• Commercial acumen and judgement with the ability to deliver results ensuring scope and quality outcomes, with tight timeframes and client budgets.

Some projects in our portfolio require an Australian security clearance. We will support the right candidate through that process, and an existing clearance or demonstrated eligibility will be an advantage.

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome and invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.