Principal Structures Engineer

About Inland Rail

Inland Rail Pty Ltd is delivering a 1,600km freight line that is transforming how goods are moved around Australia. When fully operational, Inland Rail will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, Inland Rail is helping to address the nation’s future freight needs and meet the demands of our growing population.

Delivering Inland Rail will help shift more goods onto rail which means safer, less congested roads and fewer emissions and a more resilient and sustainable national freight network.

More information relating to the project can be found here: Inland Rail

About the opportunity

Principal Engineer (Structures) – Subject Matter Expert (Sydney or Brisbane)

Shape the future of Australia’s rail infrastructure!


Join Inland Rail as a Principal Engineer, a pivotal role driving technical excellence across one of the nation’s most transformative infrastructure programs.

About the Role:

As a Principal Engineer (Structures), you’ll provide expert engineering advice, lead design reviews, and ensure assurance across the entire Inland Rail program. You will be the technical authority, collaborating with ARTC and third-party stakeholders to deliver optimised, well-scoped engineering solutions. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, challenging norms, and driving innovation from first principles.

Key responsibilities may include:

  •  Lead high-level design reviews and provide assurance across the program
  • Advise on technical risks and solutions throughout project lifecycles
  • Interface with ARTC engineers and external consultants
  • Prepare board-level papers and contribute to contract administration
  • Drive technical change management and value engineering initiatives
  • As SME: lead discipline teams, govern scope requirements, and mentor talent

About you

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate a positive and opportunistic mindset, confident in challenging traditional assumptions from first principles, and skilled at developing innovative solutions.

Additionally, you should be able to demonstrate:

  • 15+ years’ experience in delivering structural design and a Subject Matter Expert for major infrastructure projects
  • Tertiary qualifications in civil or structural engineering
  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) certification
  • Proven experience in rail infrastructure design and construction project (ideal)
  • Strong communication skills, including executive-level presentations

What you’ll be joining

  • You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
  • This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
  • Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
  • Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State-of-the Art office embracing flexible working conditions.

Our Organisation and Culture

The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.  We welcome like-minded individuals who value our culture.

At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.

All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.

Apply Now

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre-employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol-free working environment.

Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don’t delay your application.

Date posted: October 20, 2025
Closing date: November 20, 2025

Sydney Permanent - Full-time
Apply now