Principal Road and Civil Engineering role for a civil engineer who wants more than just project work — this is a chance to lead, shape client relationships, win work, and build a practice within an established team. Based in AECOM’s Adelaide office and working throughout South Australia and Australia, you will plan, lead and deliver multi-disciplinary civil infrastructure projects, primarily road and rail transport projects and also spanning defence, energy, land development and water. You will bring deep technical capability to projects that have real-world consequence, backed by one of the strongest civil engineering networks in the country.

If you’ve been delivering strong technical work and wondering what the next step looks like — this is it. You will have genuine autonomy to lead projects end-to-end, develop client relationships across a portfolio of markets, and actively contribute to winning work. You will also play a meaningful role in developing the people around you, with real scope to be part of the local team shaping the direction of AECOM’s civil engineering practice with key local clients in South Australia.

How you’ll make a difference

• Lead and deliver civil engineering projects from planning through to detailed design and delivery. Take responsibility for technical quality, design management, budget and program.
• Manage client relationships and represent AECOM across local and national projects.
• Support project delivery excellence across technical verification, design governance, risk management, working within project commercial requirements.
• Coordinate across disciplines and stakeholders to resolve interfaces, manage project risks and apply a strong quality focus to documentation, checking and design verification.
• Lead and support business development activities including opportunity identification, capture planning, fee estimation and proposal preparation; mentor and develop junior civil engineers within the team.

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

The qualities that help you thrive

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Principal Highways/Civil Engineer with a track record designing and delivering a range of civil engineering and infrastructure related projects across industries. You will also have an affinity for Adelaide and South Australia, looking to make a contribution to infrastructure delivery for the benefit of the region.

You know how to get things built. You can navigate the gap between a rigorous design and a practical site outcome, and you understand that great engineering is as much about relationships and communication as it is about technical execution. You are looking for a role that rewards that breadth.

You will be known for your ability to lead teams across stakeholders while working collaboratively, encouraging problem solving, with a delivery focus.

• Ideally a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) designation or equivalent international accreditation, supported by a relevant engineering or similar tertiary qualification.
• At least 10-15 years of experience delivering multi-disciplinary projects for a variety of Clients, such as the South Australian Government and the Department of Defence
• Strong engineering judgement with experience leading design and development.
• Client relationship and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive client relationships at a senior level.
• Proficiency in civil design software including DRAINS, 12D and AutoCAD is an advantage; as is a working knowledge of Austroads and the ability to interpret and apply local authority and client-specific standards.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
  

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.