Technical Principal, Engineering Geology

Create futures worth inheriting with SMEC and the SJ Group 

About SJ Group

At SJ, we’re building identity into infrastructure, character into skylines and peace of mind into everyday life.

A global urban and infrastructure consultancy firm with over 75 years of project delivery success, SJ and its member companies continue a collective legacy that delivers global expertise with local precision.

Become part of our 16,000 client-centric specialists in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries who shape spaces across the world to meet the needs of today and the aspirations of generations to come.

About SMEC

We unlock the potential of our people to look at infrastructure differently, creating better outcomes for the future.

We are committed to positively impact the people, the environment and the clients and communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking a Technical Principal, Engineering Geology to join our team in Melbourne.

Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Build SMEC’s reputation as a leading consultant with a strong reputation for innovation, technical excellence, quality and project delivery;
• Provide technical risk (and opportunity) governance to both proposals and projects to achieve reliable project performance in terms of sophistication, timeliness and quality (e.g. as Proposal/Project Director);
• Support management to provide technical leadership to employees to ensure cohesion, optimal performance, resourcing, retention and professional development of technical staff;
• Support management to achieve sustainable growth of the business through targeted client relationship management (CRM) and business development (BD) activity.

About You

Suitable applicants will be/have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent)
• Membership with Engineers Australia
• Chartered status (CPEng) and/or RPEQ certification
• 20+ years’ experience in engineering geology or a related field
• Extensive experience in quality assurance and technical review processes
• Active involvement in industry associations and a well-established professional profile
• Advanced technical expertise with the ability to work independently on complex tasks
• Strong project management capability across multiple concurrent projects
• Demonstrated success in delivering client-focused outcomes and cost efficiencies
• High-level consulting, stakeholder engagement, and client management skills
• Commercial acumen, including budgeting and business planning
• Excellent report writing and proposal development experience
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards and specifications
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams
• Effective communication skills and the ability to convey complex information clearly
• Adaptability and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Applications will be open from 12 June 2026 - 12 July 2026.

For a confidential conversation please reach out to Ami: [email protected]

To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at www.smec.com/careers

Link to benefits: http://www.smec.com/en_au/careers/your-career-with-SMEC

SMEC is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and gender‑equitable workforce and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds across engineering and technical disciplines. We provide a supportive and flexible working environment that recognises individual contribution, supports career progression, and enables our people to balance work and life at all stages of their career.

As a family‑friendly employer, we offer flexible working arrangements and benefits including 18 weeks of universal paid parental leave. We are proud to foster an inclusive culture that supports gender equity, LGBTI+ inclusion and First Nations representation, with access to strong professional networks, role models, and mentoring and sponsorship programs.

All recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resume directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

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At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!