Principal Signal Engineers (Rail)

Connecting Engineering Talent to Queensland Rail

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you.  

From transporting our customers and freight to strengthening connections across diverse communities, our impact runs deep. For 160 years, our teams have driven meaningful change and now, as we expand and modernise our network, we’re looking for talented Principal Signal Engineers to help lead the way.

We have opportunities across two distinct Principal Signal Engineering career pathways, read on to see where your expertise fits in.

These opportunities are available within our Signalling Project Delivery and Signalling Systems and Assurance teams. No matter your specialty, you’ll be solving complex engineering challenges that shape the future of rail in Queensland.

• Brisbane CBD location
• Permanent full-time roles

Principal Signal Engineer – Signalling Engineering Delivery

Use your engineering leadership to bring projects to life.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of innovative, fit-for-purpose signalling engineering solutions aligned with Queensland Rail’s strategic objectives.
• Guide activities and shaping project scopes, ensure engineering outcomes meet operational and safety needs.
• Providing technical oversight and certification of signalling designs and works ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Driving the successful delivery of signalling projects across all lifecycle phases
• Collaborating across engineering disciplines, project teams, asset managers and QR stakeholders, ensuring alignment between signalling systems and broader rail infrastructure goals.

You will bring:

• Deep knowledge of railway signalling systems and lifecycle delivery including their application across planning, design, construction, and commissioning stages.
• Proven technical leadership across complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence outcomes.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on project governance, budget, risk and safety performance.

Principal Signal Engineer – Signalling Engineering Delivery Position Description 

Principal Signal Engineer – Signalling Systems and Assurance

Ensure our signalling systems are safe, reliable, and built to last.

Key responsibilities include:

• Investigate system anomalies using diagnostic tools, logs, and circuit analysis to ensure operational reliability.
• Provide expert technical advice on Queensland Rail signalling systems.
• Collaborate with delivery teams to maintain assurance across project phases.
• Support on-the-ground teams and contribute to continuous improvement in engineering practices.
• Oversee stakeholder relationships and guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver commercial and technical outcomes.
• Assist with undertaking Type Approval of safety-critical signalling equipment as an independent technical reviewer.
• Promote business improvements, technology development, and innovation in signal engineering.

You will bring:

• Established expertise in signalling system architecture and performance.
• Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Curiosity and initiative to explore reliability improvements and system risk mitigation.

Principal Signal Engineer – Signalling Systems and Assurance Position Description 

Required qualifications (for both roles):

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical/Electronic or related QR acceptable discipline)

• Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ)

Specific to the Project Delivery role only – we will also consider non RPEQ candidates.

If your qualification was issued overseas, we ask that your degree aligns with the Washington Accord and is assessed by Engineers Australia as meeting the entry-level competency standard for professional engineers in your discipline.

Benefits:

We believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, valued, and inspired.

Base salary starts at $160,900 (PT5.1) plus 12.75% Superannuation - aligned with experience and responsibilities.

• Flexible working options to help you balance your career and personal commitments.
• Up to 100% reimbursement for eligible professional membership fees, keeping your skills current and your career moving forward.
• Clear career pathways, innovative projects and professional development opportunities to help you shape a rewarding, long-term career.
• Exclusive discounts and services through QRI Lifestyle, with access to over 2,000 offers.
• A focus on your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing, with a range of free support services.
• Fitness Passport membership giving you and your family access to over 380 gyms and pools across Queensland.

Click here to explore our full range of employee benefits.

Your journey matters. Make it with us.

Now is a great time to join us on our journey as we transform Southeast Queensland's extensive rail network from modernising rail infrastructure to supporting SEQ’s future growth.

Your impact will count.

Advertising commences 18th August 2025 and applications will close by 11:59pm (GMT+10:00 Brisbane) Tuesday 16th September 2025. 

Please apply to Principal Signal Engineers (Rail) (9780) via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button.

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.

If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, please contact please contact Cynthia Mackenzie via the email 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 Mackenzie with your specific enquiry via cynthia.mackenzie@qr.com.au   Please do not email your application. We can only accept applications received via our website.