About Us
At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Guided by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we collaborate and build on each other's contributions to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you the licence to do the same. You join a team that backs your expertise, supports your growth, and gives you the autonomy to make meaningful impact.
Our team is currently delivering design and advisory services to some of Queensland’s most significant linear infrastructure projects, including multiple stages of the Coomera Connector Program and Inland Rail: Melbourne to Brisbane. As part of our expanding global practice, we are looking for a highly experienced engineer who wants a platform to shape the future and leave a legacy.
Our Opportunity
As part of our continued growth in Australia, HDR is currently seeking a Principal Engineer – Hydrology and Hydraulics to take on a pivotal technical leadership role across nationally significant road, rail and bridge projects. This is a senior, visible position suited to a recognised practitioner who thrives on setting direction, solving the hard problems and elevating the capability of the next generation of engineers.
Based in Brisbane, this role offers the opportunity to lead hydrology and hydraulics input across a wide range of road, rail, bridge, and drainage projects. You will provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and ensure delivery of high-quality hydraulic mitigations and flood-related solutions to ensure our work reflects HDR’s commitment to engineering excellence.
This role offers a rare opportunity to work closely with the Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics, contributing to the long-term direction of the practice and playing a key role in its future leadership. You will help shape our technical direction, developing and implementing strategic initiatives for the group, mentoring senior engineers, contributing to bids and client strategy and leveraging HDR’s global water expertise. This role is designed for an experienced practitioner who enjoys leading technical delivery on complex projects while building team capability, credibility and influence across the business.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing and dynamic water business within a global, 100% employee-owned company. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, supportive workplace where your expertise will help shape Queensland’s future transport and water storage networks.
Key Responsibilities
Technical
-
Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects
-
Undertake and/or review flood modelling and technical reporting.
-
Apply advanced engineering techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges
-
Conduct flood risk analysis, floodplain management, and bridge-related flood assessments, including scour analysis
-
Mentor, coach, and provide direction to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence
-
Stay current with relevant government manuals, guidelines, legislation and best-practice sustainability and flood resiliency approaches
-
Liaise with statutory authorities and provide technical guidance for project approvals
-
Participate in the development and implementation of technology strategies within HDR’s engineering practice
Leadership and Project Collaboration
-
Prepare design and analysis documentation suitable for client and authority approvals
-
Provide technical input to support integrated multidisciplinary design
-
Support project delivery in collaboration with Project Managers, including client and stakeholder liaison
-
Assist in the preparation of expressions of interest and tender responses
-
Uphold project, contractual, financial and quality stewardship
-
Partner with the Director to guide strategic priorities and strengthen the group’s influence across HDR and the broader industry
People and Culture
-
Support the ongoing growth and capability of the hydraulics team through coaching, mentoring, and leadership
-
Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including collaboration across HDR’s global offices
About You
You are a recognised hydrology and hydraulics specialist who enjoys tackling complex flood problems, guiding others through uncertainty, and being trusted as the technical voice in the room.
-
Minimum 12 years’ experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water-related civil engineering
-
Extensive experience in flood modelling, including 1D and 2D hydraulic modelling (TUFLOW essential)
-
Strong knowledge of Australian Rainfall and Runoff, TMR Road Planning and Design Manual, VicRoads Design Guidelines and relevant legislation
-
Proficiency in GIS (e.g., MapInfo, ArcGIS, QGIS) and CADD software
-
Proven ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and manage complex disciplines within projects
-
Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and proactive solutions-focused mindset
-
Confidence in influencing team direction, shaping successful work practices, and supporting leadership in strategic decisions
Desirable
-
Experience with CFD (Flow3D) and advanced modelling software (MikeFLOOD, Mike3D, TUFLOW FV, Delft3D, etc).
-
Interface experience in water quality treatments, stormwater management and drainage design.
-
Proficiency in 12d Model, HY-8, TMR Culvert, OpenRoads Designer, or similar design tools.
-
Active involvement in national hydrology or water engineering communities.
Why Join Us?
At HDR, we believe in making great things possible through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. You’ll join a growing Queensland team that supports career growth and technical excellence while working on a wide variety of transport and water infrastructure projects across Australia and internationally.
At HDR, work is more than a job — it’s a chance to genuinely shape the communities we live in. If you’re ready to develop your career with purpose and make your mark on the future of our communities, we want to hear from you.
