Principal Engineer - Roads & Highways at Smec in Cairns, Queensland, Australia | Kablio

Role

Description

team mentoring

project delivery

road design

strategic planning

business development

Mentor and grow a talented, local engineering team
Deliver technical excellence while ensuring projects are on time and within budget
Lead civil and transport infrastructure design projects with a focus on roads and highways
Contribute to strategic planning and capability expansion in the region
Drive business development across FNQ and QLD through relationship building and repeat work

Requirements

15+ years

design standards

chartered

civil engineering

travel

project management

15+ years’ experience in roads & highways design and project delivery
Solid understanding of the Queensland market and relevant design standards
Chartered status (or working towards) will be highly regarded
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or similar
Able to travel occasionally (domestic/international) as needed
Strong project management and client engagement skills

Benefits

Tropical lifestyle in a vibrant, diverse and growing city
Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership
A supportive team culture focused on learning, leadership and innovation
Global opportunities within SMEC and our parent company Surbana Jurong Group

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

SMEC's expertise spans across multiple sectors, delivering high-quality solutions for infrastructure, transportation, energy, and more.
The company has a strong focus on innovative project delivery, with a diverse portfolio ranging from large-scale infrastructure projects to urban development.
Notable projects include major transport networks, renewable energy facilities, and sustainable urban developments.
The company is known for its commitment to excellence in technical expertise, sustainable practices, and delivering results that drive progress in both developed and emerging markets.

Culture + Values

Driven by purpose, guided by values.
People: We value our global and diverse talent by creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where our people can thrive.
Purpose: We are driven by purpose and a commitment to sustainability, transforming the human experience and uplifting lives.
Integrity: We act responsibly and conduct our business and ourselves with the highest ethical standards, accountability and transparency.
Partnership: We build trusted and enduring relationships with clients, colleagues and partners to achieve shared success.
Professionalism: We act in the best interest of our clients and the communities in which we work, delivering innovative solutions to the highest of standards.

Environment + Sustainability

Embedding sustainability from earliest planning stages to strengthen outcomes for clients, communities and the planet.
Aligned with UN SDGs and Surbana Jurong Sustainability Charter; mission is 'to catalyse the transition to a regenerative future.'
Focus areas include climate action & ecological resilience, health & clean water, community equity, education & partnerships, circular economy, and future‑proofed infrastructure.
Specialist capabilities: net zero strategies and pathways including science‑based targets (SBTs), energy & carbon modelling, lifecycle assessment, circular economy strategies.
Office‑level programs in energy efficiency, water usage and waste management to improve green‑office operations globally.
Project examples: Logan Enhancement Project integrated fauna underpasses and land bridges; M1 Upgrade used concrete fracturing and recycled green steel to cut emissions.
Net‑zero target via Science‑Based Targets but no specific year publicly stated.

Inclusion & Diversity

Create a flexible, diverse and inclusive work environment enabling people to reach full potential and be proud to work at SMEC.
Culture where people, clients and communities feel trusted, safe, confident, valued and understood.
Continual evaluation to provide safe, flexible, inclusive and respectful workplace.
Flexible working environment tailored to employee needs.
Commitment to equality in access to rewards, resources and opportunities on merit.
Zero‑tolerance to harassment and discrimination.

Articles

Careers at SMEC

Projects

Innovation & Sustainability

About Us

Company

Overview

SMEC's expertise spans across multiple sectors, delivering high-quality solutions for infrastructure, transportation, energy, and more.
The company has a strong focus on innovative project delivery, with a diverse portfolio ranging from large-scale infrastructure projects to urban development.
Notable projects include major transport networks, renewable energy facilities, and sustainable urban developments.
The company is known for its commitment to excellence in technical expertise, sustainable practices, and delivering results that drive progress in both developed and emerging markets.

Culture + Values

Driven by purpose, guided by values.
People: We value our global and diverse talent by creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where our people can thrive.
Purpose: We are driven by purpose and a commitment to sustainability, transforming the human experience and uplifting lives.
Integrity: We act responsibly and conduct our business and ourselves with the highest ethical standards, accountability and transparency.
Partnership: We build trusted and enduring relationships with clients, colleagues and partners to achieve shared success.
Professionalism: We act in the best interest of our clients and the communities in which we work, delivering innovative solutions to the highest of standards.

Environment + Sustainability

Embedding sustainability from earliest planning stages to strengthen outcomes for clients, communities and the planet.
Aligned with UN SDGs and Surbana Jurong Sustainability Charter; mission is 'to catalyse the transition to a regenerative future.'
Focus areas include climate action & ecological resilience, health & clean water, community equity, education & partnerships, circular economy, and future‑proofed infrastructure.
Specialist capabilities: net zero strategies and pathways including science‑based targets (SBTs), energy & carbon modelling, lifecycle assessment, circular economy strategies.
Office‑level programs in energy efficiency, water usage and waste management to improve green‑office operations globally.
Project examples: Logan Enhancement Project integrated fauna underpasses and land bridges; M1 Upgrade used concrete fracturing and recycled green steel to cut emissions.
Net‑zero target via Science‑Based Targets but no specific year publicly stated.

Inclusion & Diversity

Create a flexible, diverse and inclusive work environment enabling people to reach full potential and be proud to work at SMEC.
Culture where people, clients and communities feel trusted, safe, confident, valued and understood.
Continual evaluation to provide safe, flexible, inclusive and respectful workplace.
Flexible working environment tailored to employee needs.
Commitment to equality in access to rewards, resources and opportunities on merit.
Zero‑tolerance to harassment and discrimination.

Articles

Careers at SMEC

Projects

Innovation & Sustainability

About Us

Principal Engineer - Roads & Highways

Smec

Principal Engineer - Roads & Highways

Smec

Description

team mentoring

project delivery

road design

strategic planning

business development

Requirements

15+ years

design standards

chartered

civil engineering

travel

project management

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance

Overview

Culture + Values

Environment + Sustainability

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Description

team mentoring

project delivery

road design

strategic planning

business development

Requirements

15+ years

design standards

chartered

civil engineering

travel

project management

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance

Overview

Culture + Values

Environment + Sustainability

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Founded in 1978

Year of establishment

The company was established in 1978, marking the beginning of its global engineering services.

Over 40 Countries

Countries operated in

SMEC operates in over 40 countries, delivering local insights with international capabilities.

Employer of Choice

Gender Equality Recognition

Recognized by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for achieving gender equality.

Great Place to Work

Workplace Accreditation

Accredited as a Great Place to Work by an external review body in Bangladesh.