Principal Project Engineer

You’ll connect Queensland. We’ll connect you to an amazing career. 

Our team of over 8000 and our customers are central to everything we do, we have a proud history as a safe and reliable railway operator, with a commitment to ensuring that our operating systems reflect the highest standards. Queensland Rail inspires innovative thought, passionate motivation, teamwork, and forward thinking, where our people can achieve their own career aspirations.

Why Queensland Rail?

We will provide you with an exciting and diverse career opportunity that continues to strive in the delivery of a modern and world-class railway provider, you will be able to lead and apply your innovative thoughts to enhance our rail network. For this role we also offer: 

• The Principal Project Engineer role starting base salary is $160,991 plus 12.75% super based on a 76-hour fortnight
• Based in Brisbane’s CBD, this fulltime fixed term role is budgeted until the 31st of December 2029 with possibility for extension
• Professional development encouragement and support
• Collaborative, supportive and engaged workplace and team environment.
• Genuine work life balance and flexible work options
• Free Citytrain travel to and from work and access to other free or discounted SEQ rail travel
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing employees with holistic and contemporary health and wellbeing programs.

Purpose that Counts - Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders in the development and implementation of staging plans and work packs
• Review integrated construction methodologies to plan resources and estimate costs
• Participate in the development and implementation of construction safety management systems
• Undertake advanced inspections and negotiations for staging works
• Ensure industry best practice and legislation requirements are being met and achieved. 

People Who Count - Who we are looking for:

• Extensive knowledge of rail infrastructure construction and maintenance standards
• High level of management skills with in a multi-disciplinary project environment
• Excellent written and oral communication, negotiating, motivational and interpersonal skills
• Substantial skills in planning, monitoring and forecasting project and operational budgets
• Bachelor of Engineering

QR, through the Logan – Gold Coast Rail Alliance project team, is seeking someone with strong rail infrastructure knowledge, excellent stakeholder and project management skills, and the capability to lead staging, safety, construction and cost‑planning activities. In this role, you’ll ensure construction works meet industry standards while effectively managing budgets, communication and multidisciplinary project delivery.

Progress that Counts 

Joining Queensland Rail means being part of an exciting future where you'll welcome millions of international passengers for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our Cross River Rail project will transform travel across the South East Queensland network, doubling passenger journeys to 80 million over the next decade.  

To support this growth and enhance customer experiences, we're committed to key initiatives, including the new WAVE Sunshine Coast project along with Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade, building three new Gold Coastline stations, implementing the $5.75 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project, introducing 65 new Next Generation Rolling Stock trains, improving station accessibility at eight main stations, boosting North Coast Line capacity and upgrading Central Station. 
 
Your journey matters. Make it with us. 

 
There has never been a more exciting time to join Queensland Rail. We offer boundless opportunities to support your career today and for your future. 
 

Apply for one our roles via our website by clicking the apply button before 11.59pm Sunday the 29th of March 2026. To read more about this role click  HERE for the position description.
 
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 include psychometric assessments, pre-employment health checks and background screenings, which could involve criminal history and credit checks.  

To learn more about this career opportunity, please contact Liam McKeown via email at qrcareers@qr.com.au  

We’re a team of thousands and we’re proud of our individual journeys and stories. And as we grow, we need more diverse backgrounds and perspectives than ever before. We are committed to facilitating a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.