Principal Mechanical Engineer
Brisbane, QLD, AU, 4000
Connecting Engineering Talent to Queensland Rail
Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you.
Queensland Rail has a rare opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping the safety, performance, and reliability of our track maintenance rollingstock fleet. In this role, you'll have the unique opportunity to make meaningful decisions, take ownership, and leave your mark on our fleet.
You’ll have the time and autonomy to focus on delivering quality outcomes, ensuring projects are executed to a high standard.
- Permanent full time
- Based in Brisbane CBD or Banyo – or split your time across both locations.
Benefits that count
- Support for your career and ongoing professional development.
- Flexible working options to help balance work and personal commitments.
- Full reimbursement for annual membership with two (2) relevant approved professional development associations.
- Heavily discounted access to gyms and sporting facilities.
- Employee Assistance Program covering personal and career support services.
- Equal opportunity leave, paid parental/partner leave after 12 months of continuous service.
Remuneration: Starting from an annual base salary of $160,990 - $172,660 + 12.75% Superannuation.
We are committed to finding the right candidate, and salary will reflect your expertise and contributions.
About the role
This specialist engineering role supports the development, maintenance, and enhancement of our track maintenance rollingstock fleet across Southeast and Regional Queensland. With upcoming procurement of advanced plant and rollingstock to support network upgrades, you’ll have the opportunity to innovate and deliver real value to Queensland’s rail network.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing procurement contracts, including developing mechanical technical specifications, evaluating tenders, managing suppliers, and overseeing testing and commissioning.
- Designing, assessing, and upgrading mechanical systems across plant and track maintenance rollingstock to improve performance, safety, and compliance.
- Providing expert advice on mechanical engineering matters related to track machinery and support equipment.
- Applying risk-based approaches to mechanical design and engineering processes, aligned with industry, legislative, and Queensland Rail standards.
- Technically leading a small engineering teams, providing technical guidance, and supporting staff development.
- Monitoring fleet performance, investigating mechanical non-compliance or failures, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Staying across industry advancements to drive innovation and recommend improvements to our mechanical systems and fleet capability.
About you
We are seeking an experienced and qualified mechanical engineering professional with a passion for driving excellence in plant and rollingstock engineering. You will bring:
- Extensive knowledge of track maintenance rollingstock and/or other mobile or fixed plant equipment used in construction, maintenance, or heavy industry.
- Extensive knowledge of engineering principles and practices for modern rail infrastructure plant (track machines, hi-rail vehicles, and other infrastructure construction and maintenance plant), including design, operation, and maintenance processes to maximise safety and availability.
- Knowledge of the design of hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems and the design of mechanical systems and structures.
- High level skill in project management, contract management and consulting with Plant Engineering's customers and suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and external partners.
- Proven experience in technical leadership and ability to partner with others to deliver results that support organisational goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ) currently held or evidence relating to obtaining registration within a three-month period.
- Current, unrestricted driver’s licence.
Typical working hours
Our standard working hours are 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While limited, some pre-planned or occasional travel may be required.
Your journey matters. Make it with us.
Please apply to Principal Mechanical Engineer (10890) via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button by 11:59pm (GMT+10:00 Brisbane) Sunday 8th February 2026.
Supporting a Diverse Workforce
Queensland Rail acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders of the lands and waterways our network traverses.
Our teams are People who Count. We encourage diversity in our teams, including different genders, age, race, disability status, sexual orientation, religions, neurodiversity, education levels and many more aspects. No two journeys are the same, and it’s because of our differences that as a collective, we achieve great things.
We provide reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees.
If you do require a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact Cynthia via the details below.
Applicants for roles at Queensland Rail may undergo pre-employment alcohol and drug testing if they advance in the recruitment process. The selection process may also include psychometric assessments, pre-employment health checks and background screenings, which could involve criminal history and credit checks, if this applies to the pre-employment requirements for this role.
For roles that have pre-employment qualifications, we will also be required to do formal qualification verification processes to ensure qualifications align to Queensland Rail's pre-employment frameworks.
To learn more about this Queensland Rail career opportunity please contact Cynthia with your enquiry via cynthia.mackenzie@qr.com.au Please do not email your application. We can only accept applications received via our website.