Principal Mechanical Engineer

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

Our team of over 7,500 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 to join a company 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:  

• Permanent, fulltime opportunity based in Brisbane CBD and Mayne/Ipswich depots 

• Highly competitive salary plus a generous superannuation contribution 

• Collaborative and engaged work place and team environment 

• Genuine work life balance depending on operational requirements 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing employees with holistic and contemporary health and wellbeing programs. 

• Professional development and leadership opportunities 

About the Role 

Queensland Rail is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical engineering design and deliver key rollingstock projects across design, acquisition, modification and operational phases. Reporting with responsibility for a team of five engineers, you will drive initiatives that improve the availability, reliability and cost effectiveness of the passenger fleet. 

You will play a key role in regional maintenance, ensuring technical scope is delivered in line with standards and specifications while resolving issues identified throughout the fleet. The role includes providing expert technical advice, managing modifications and testing, supporting production and inventory, overseeing quality assurance, and preparing reports and engineering records to support safe and reliable fleet performance. 

Purpose That Counts – Some of the responsibilities of the role: 

• Provide leadership across rollingstock mechanical engineering by driving strategies, solutions and improvement programs that enhance fleet availability, reliability and operational efficiency in a dynamic rail environment 

• Deliver expert advice on rollingstock mechanical systems, including the design and implementation of modifications that improve performance, safety and whole of life outcomes 

• Lead and mentor a mechanical engineering team, providing technical assurance and support across design, maintenance and operational activities while building capability through coaching and development 

• Oversee the development of technical documentation, investigate new technologies and implement improved systems and processes to strengthen safety, reliability and engineering standards  

People Who Count - What you can bring to the role: 

• Deep knowledge of passenger rollingstock design and operation, with the ability to deliver practical engineering solutions across complex rail environments 

• Strong capability in developing safe and efficient rollingstock designs, applying sound engineering principles to improve performance, reliability and lifecycle outcomes 

• Proven experience in enhancing mechanical systems, maintenance strategies and modification programs, driving continuous improvement in safety, cost efficiency and operational effectiveness 

• Well-developed stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, including the ability to introduce new technologies, support procurement and maintenance practices, and coach and develop engineering teams 

• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering 

• RPEQ 

• National driver’s license highly regarded 

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 via our website by clicking the apply button before 11.59pm Sunday the 31st of May 2026. To read the position description click HERE 
  
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.