Principal Engineer

North Ryde, AustraliaFull-timePosted Jul 24, 2026

The opportunity 

 

We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced Principal Transmission Line Engineer specialising within the Power sector, working with our Power engineering team, who are mainly based in Sydney. This role will report to the Transmission Lines Engineering manager and work alongside industry known and respected technical experts, leading engineering designs and design teams for some of Australia’s highest-profile transmission line projects from 33kV to 500kV.

 

The ideal person will have a passion for leading teams and delivering high level technical advice and support to our proposal teams, project teams, clients, and other stakeholders as well as supporting our project teams by visiting construction sites on a regular basis.  

 

This is a permanent full-time position and will be based out of our North Ryde office. 

 

What you’ll do 

  • Manage and deliver drawing packages so that they comply with and meet expectations from clients, communities, environmental management requirements and other legislative requirements  

  • Produce substation primary design drawing deliverables such as Layouts, Earthing plans and details, Conduit plans, Structural footings and steelwork support structures using microstation and Primtech 3d supported by the Primary Engineering team. 

  • Interface with the wider substation design team to collaboratively deliver Control Building layouts, AC and DC reticulation and outdoor lighting   

  • Provide support to the design manager in terms of reporting, raising RFI’s and notifying of variations 

  • Provide input to reporting on project performance and progress, including development of solutions to issues that compromise attainment of agreed performance targets  

  • Ensure design deliverables are checked thoroughly and follow the Quality Control Process  

  • Provide expert technical advice to the Project Delivery and wider program teams  

  • Be an active participant in the Safety in Design process as required, to assist in the identification of potential hazardous site activities and ensure appropriate procedures and controls are implemented 

  • Ensure the consideration of community, environment, operations and maintenance issues are integrated into the selection of preferred options for the project during the planning and design process 

  • Undertake on-going 'fit for purpose' and value engineering reviews to ensure constructability of design  

 

What we offer 

  • Employee benefits including health and wellness initiatives

  • Access to Downer Group benefits 

  • Personalised career path development and growth working with an industry leading team.  

  • Competitive remuneration package 

  • Safety focused culture working within in leading services industry 

  • Management support coupled with ongoing training and mentoring    

  • Career enhancing opportunity to work within an ASX limited company 

 

What we’re looking for 

  • Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering as recognized by IEAust, coupled with Chartered Engineer status 
  • 10+ years’ experience working as a Transmission Lines Engineer in the Power Sector  
  • Knowledge of relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS7000, AS4100 and AS1170) and the typical design standards and expectations of Australian TNSPs 
  • Ability to motivate and guide your project teams to carry out analysis, design and provide construction stage support 
  • Proficiency in the use of engineering design software PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE and PLS-Tower 
  • Known and respected in the Australian power industry, and able to provide referees from within Australian TNSPs 

 

 

‘About Energy & Utilities…

 

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople. 

 

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

 

How to apply 

 

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!   

 

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement.

 

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