JOB DETAILS
Principal Civil Engineer
CompanyDowner
LocationMilton
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 27, 2026
About The Company
Enabling communities to thrive.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 150 years. Solving problems. Making the extraordinary run smoothly every day. We’re keeping the lights on and the water flowing. Running the hospitals that take care of us. Delivering the transport that takes us from A to B. Maintaining communication networks that keep people connected. Helping our Government and Defence customers keep them protected. Delivering train fleets. Building bridges, roads and streets. Now we’re building momentum too. Moving forward even faster.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re transforming the way we work. Unlocking our potential to lead by example. Using our passion and expertise to deliver complex projects and turn fresh ideas into solutions that make society a better place. Creating opportunities for our people, growth and value for our shareholders, and world-class solutions for our customers. Imagining. Innovating. Engineering. Enabling.
About the Role
The Opportunity
Downer Energy and Utilities is seeking an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to join our growing Power business. This role can be based in Brisbane or Adelaide.
As the technical authority for civil engineering activities, you will provide leadership across complex substation and transmission infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for engineering governance, technical assurance, design excellence, mentoring engineering teams and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality civil design solutions across multiple projects.
Working closely with clients, project teams and subcontractors, you will play a critical role in shaping major energy infrastructure projects that support Australia's energy transition.
What We're Looking For
You will bring extensive experience within the power and utilities sector and have a strong technical background in substation and transmission civil design.
To be successful you will have:
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and/or Registered Professional Engineer preferred
- 15+ years of project delivery experience within the power industry
- Strong experience delivering utility substation and transmission infrastructure projects
- Advanced knowledge of civil earthworks, drainage, oil containment and access infrastructure design
- Experience providing technical leadership, engineering governance and assurance
- Proven capability leading multidisciplinary project interfaces and resolving complex technical challenges
- Experience mentoring engineers and supporting capability development across technical teams
- Strong stakeholder management and client relationship skills
- Experience with design platforms including AutoCAD and MicroStation
- Excellent communication, leadership and problem solving skills.
What We Offer
At Downer, we invest in our people and provide opportunities to develop rewarding and diverse careers.
Our benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements with a blend of office, home and site-based work
- Access to professional development and career progression opportunities
- Inclusive and supportive team environment
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant energy infrastructure projects
- Employee benefits, wellbeing programs and industry leading safety culture
- The chance to contribute to Australia's evolving energy landscape.
About Energy & Utilities
Downer is a leading provider of integrated services across Australia's essential infrastructure sectors. Within Energy and Utilities, our Power business delivers end to end solutions across transmission, distribution, substations and renewable energy infrastructure.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a high performing, inclusive and collaborative workplace where innovation, safety and continuous improvement are valued.
Downer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, culturally diverse candidates, veterans and people living with disability.
How to Apply
If this opportunity aligns with your skills and experience, we encourage you to apply now and join a team that is helping deliver the future of Australia's energy infrastructure.
For more information about this opportunity, please submit your application through the Downer careers website.
Please note: Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms or third parties. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Downer or its employees will become the property of Downer, and Downer will not be liable for any associated fees or costs.
Key Skills
Civil engineeringSubstation designTransmission infrastructureEngineering governanceTechnical assuranceEarthworksDrainage designOil containmentAccess infrastructureMultidisciplinary project managementStakeholder managementClient relationship managementAutoCADMicroStationLeadershipProblem solving
Categories
EngineeringEnergyConstructionManagement & Leadership
Benefits
Flexible working arrangementsProfessional developmentCareer progression opportunitiesInclusive and supportive team environmentEmployee benefitsWellbeing programsIndustry leading safety culture
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Principal Civil Engineer will serve as the technical authority for civil engineering activities across complex substation and transmission infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include providing engineering governance, technical assurance, design excellence, and mentoring engineering teams to ensure high-quality project delivery.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
10+
💼Company Size
18166
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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