Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer

At HDR, we specialise in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength.

Wath Out Story: Our Story HDR

Each and every role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That colouring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realisations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

The role

To support HDR’s continued commitment to design excellence and technical delivery, our Transportation Team is looking for an experienced Senior or Principal Drainage Engineer to join us in Brisbane.

Our team currently provides design services to some of the largest transportation projects across Queensland, including the Coomera Connector Stage 1 Program for Helensvale Road to Smith Street Motorway design and construction project. We are looking for an experienced civil engineer with drainage focus to join our global network.

Reporting directly to the Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics, this role will see you leading the drainage design component and providing technical guidance across a range of complex highways, rail and civil projects. Join us and establish yourself within a growing team of civil infrastructure professionals, working on projects across Queensland, Victoria and internationally.

We offer a variety of ways to connect with our vast network of people to find your place and shape the trajectory of your career. Our goal isn’t just to reach the next milestone. We enable you to grow your talent and flourish, helping our clients to change the world for the better.

In the role of Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer, we'll count on you to:

Serve in a senior/principal technical role on complex civil design projects for the drainage and flooding discipline.

Prepare detailed designs for roads, drainage systems, and other civil infrastructure in line with project requirements, standards, and best practices.

Contribute drainage design input across multi-disciplinary civil engineering projects within HDR.

Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to other professionals within the team, supporting their career development.

Use and share your CADD and 12D knowledge with the other members of the design team to enhance and expand the design service capabilities.

Participate in the development and implementation of Technology strategies across HDR’s Brisbane and Victorian Engineering Practice.

About You

You enjoy working in a close-knit team environment where collaboration, open communication, and shared problem-solving are part of everyday delivery.

Independent work is one of your strengths, and you take ownership of tasks to see them through to completion.

Guiding and mentoring junior professionals is something you genuinely enjoy, and you take pride in contributing to a positive and supportive team culture.

You proactively seek opportunities to add value, whether through improving processes, supporting bids, or contributing technical insights.

Opportunities to work on both local and international projects appeal to you.

You are adaptable when collaborating with multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed teams.

Experience

Typically, 10+ years’ relevant experience.

Experience in detailed hydraulic designs of stormwater drainage infrastructure such as open channels, pipes, pits and culverts.

Thorough knowledge and expertise in drainage design, particularly for transport and infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of TMR Road Planning and Design Manual, VicRoads Design Guidelines, AR&R and QUDM, with experience applying these frameworks in practical design solutions.

Working knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, standards and processes.

Experience in drainage analysis and design software such as 12d Drainage, TMR Culvert, MUSIC, etc. (Experience in OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, SWMM and/or Civil 3D are a bonus)

Experience in flood studies, GIS and 12d Water 2D/Road Flow Menu/Toolbar is advantageous.

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Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field

Professional engineering license recognised by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Schedule: Full-time