Principal Mechanical Engineer (Rollingstock Projects)

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

When you join Queensland Rail, you become part of a team that’s passionate about innovation, safety, and service. Whether you’re working behind the scenes or out in the field, your role will contribute to a network that supports growth, regional development, and everyday travel across the state.

Use your engineering technical leadership to bring projects to life and be part of a company, Where Connection Counts.

A rare opportunity has become available for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Rollingstock Specialist Project Engineering team. 

The team:

The team is primarily responsible for providing technical assurance on projects delivered by external providers, with a key focus on modifications and overhauls to our existing rolling stock fleet. The team play a critical role to ensure that all modifications and overhauls are thoroughly reviewed, properly implemented, and rigorously tested to meet Queensland Rail’s safety and technical standards.
 

The role:

• Lead mechanical engineering activities for Queensland Rail’s rolling stock fleet in a dynamic, integrated passenger and infrastructure environment.
• Drive improvements in fleet availability, reliability, and safety through effective engineering strategies and solutions.
• Provide expert technical advice, support, and assurance on mechanical systems, design modifications, maintenance, and operations.
• Oversee the development of scopes of work, specifications, design documentation, and instructions to required standards.
• Investigate emerging technologies and develop systems and procedures to enhance safety and performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers to build a high-performing team and support strong technical outcomes.

About you:

We’re seeking a skilled mechanical engineer with proven principal-level experience within the rolling stock environment, capable of providing expert mechanical engineering advice and services for projects involving rolling stock overhaul, repair, and modification.

You will also bring:

• Extensive knowledge of passenger rolling stock design, operation, and associated equipment.
• Skill in the production of safe, reliable passenger rollingstock designs, using engineering design methods.
• Experienced in developing and improving mechanical systems, strategies, and modifications to enhance performance, safety, and cost-efficiency.
• Proficient in introducing new technologies and procedures for equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Strong track record of leading, mentoring, and helping fellow engineers’ growth.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Location/hours:

• This role is currently based inner Brisbane.
• Standard work week is Monday to Friday 38-hours, with occasional planned after-hours work and travel to support project deliverables.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor Mechanical Engineering
• Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ)

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.

Click here to view full Position Description

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.
• 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 option giving you and your dependent 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.

Please apply to Principal Mechanical Engineer (Rollingstock Projects) (10083) via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button by 11:59pm (GMT+10:00 Brisbane) Wednesday 20th August 2025.

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.