Job Description
• Step into a Principal-level leadership role, providing technical direction
• Be part of a growing pipeline of significant infrastructure projects
• Close-knit team integrated across multiple Queensland offices
About Mackay
Mackay is one of Queensland’s most liveable regional cities, sitting at the heart of the Whitsunday Coast with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country. It is a city with a strong community, excellent amenities, affordable living, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, and the Eungella rainforest. For engineers looking for a genuine lifestyle alongside a serious career, Mackay delivers both without compromise. Relocation assistance is available for candidates making the move.
Ready to take the next step?
If this sounds like the right move for your career, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out in confidence for a conversation about what is on offer.
Consultant
Christian Sticklen
Director and co-founder
+61 7 3214 3601
christian@resourcefulrecruitment.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=gf&trkInfo=AQELlwGyFkt2cgAAAXPrPSYAcNxum3DQt-U2ctQSo_CLAKOkvpJ
Reference number: 1040352
Profession:Engineering
Key Responsibilities
About the role
A senior leadership opportunity has opened for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join the Mackay office, which forms part of an integrated North Queensland network spanning Townsville and Rockhampton. In this role you will provide technical leadership and mentoring to a team of engineers across the North Queensland offices, while working closely with and supporting the Operations Manager based in Rockhampton to drive the continued growth and performance of the wider regional operation.
This is a genuine Principal-level position with real accountability, not just a title. You will be the senior technical voice across the Mackay office, the go-to engineer for complex problem-solving, and a key contributor to the strategic direction of the North Queensland team.
The team works across a varied and expanding project portfolio including renewables (wind and solar), transmission infrastructure, mining and civil projects, medium to large scale geotechnical investigations, and construction phase support. With Queensland’s infrastructure pipeline accelerating ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, the timing could not be better to step into a role where your contribution is visible and your impact meaningful.
What you will be doing
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring to engineers across the North Queensland offices, setting the standard for quality and professional practice
• Supporting the Operations Manager in Rockhampton with the day-to-day management and strategic growth of the wider regional operation
• Leading geotechnical investigations and design from proposal through to final delivery, with full accountability for technical quality and commercial compliance
• Reviewing and signing off on geotechnical reports and ground models produced by junior and mid-level engineers
• Managing full project lifecycles including scoping, quoting, and invoicing, ensuring both technical and financial objectives are met
• Delivering foundation, retaining wall, and slope stability designs across a diverse range of ground conditions and project types
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships across contractors, government authorities, and specialist consultants
• Driving business development opportunities and contributing to the continued growth of the Mackay and wider North Queensland operation
• Collaborating closely with sister offices across Queensland to share expertise, resources, and project capacity
• Ensuring compliance with QHSE systems and fostering a positive, safe, and high-performing team culture
Requirements
What you will bring
10 or more years of experience in geotechnical consulting, with a strong track record across site investigation, design, and technical reporting
Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring a team of engineers in a consulting environment
A consulting background with the ability to deliver quality outcomes independently and guide others to do the same
Relevant professional registration (CPEng or equivalent) with Chartered status or eligibility for fellow-level recognition
Proven capability across foundation design, slope stability, retaining structures, and geotechnical investigation
Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage client relationships and support a regional operations leader with confidence
A genuine commitment to developing the engineers around you and building a collaborative, high-performing team culture
A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across the North Queensland region when requiredWhat you will bring
• 10 or more years of experience in geotechnical consulting, with a strong track record across site investigation, design, and technical reporting
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring a team of engineers in a consulting environment
• A consulting background with the ability to deliver quality outcomes independently and guide others to do the same
• Relevant professional registration (CPEng or equivalent) with Chartered status or eligibility for fellow-level recognition
• Proven capability across foundation design, slope stability, retaining structures, and geotechnical investigation
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage client relationships and support a regional operations leader with confidence
• A genuine commitment to developing the engineers around you and building a collaborative, high-performing team culture
• A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across the North Queensland region when required
About The Company
About the business
One of Australia’s most respected specialist geotechnical consultancies, with 22 offices and more than 350 engineers and geologists delivering work across infrastructure, energy, resources, and land development. As part of a global technical services group with over 1,200 staff across Australia and New Zealand alone, this business offers the technical depth and career development of a major organisation while keeping the collaborative, people-first culture that defines it.
