Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics

Future Practice Leadership Opportunity | Brisbane

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. 

With more than 15,000 professionals worldwide, HDR delivers architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services across some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges. In Queensland, our team is currently delivering major transport and infrastructure projects including the Coomera Connector Program, Inland Rail and a growing portfolio of road, rail, bridge and water projects.

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.

A Rare Leadership Opportunity

HDR is currently seeking a Principal Engineer / Associate Director – Hydrology and Hydraulics to take on a key 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. 

Working alongside our Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics, you will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the discipline, contributing to technical leadership, business growth, team development and client relationships across Queensland and Australia.

Beyond technical delivery, you will play an important role in team development, client relationships, business growth and long-term practice leadership within an established and growing national capability.

Why This Role Is Different

This opportunity combines:

• The technical challenge of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• The support of HDR's global water and transportation network.
• A highly collaborative, employee-owned culture.
• The opportunity to help shape and grow an established discipline.
• Meaningful influence over business direction and team development.
• A clear pathway to increased leadership responsibility within the practice.

If you've reached a point in your career where you're looking for more influence, broader impact and the opportunity to help build something long-term, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects
• 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

Client and Business Leadership

• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, contractors, government agencies and industry stakeholders
• Support business development initiatives, proposals, pursuits and strategic growth opportunities
• Partner with the Director - Hydrology and Hydraulics to help guide the future direction of the practice
• Contribute to strategic planning, capability growth and succession planning initiatives
• Act as a trusted technical advisor on major infrastructure programs

People and Culture

• Support the ongoing growth and capability of the hydraulics team through coaching, mentoring, and leadership
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration and innovation
• 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.

Essential

• 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, transport authority design standards 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, CulvertMaster, OpenRoads Designer, or similar design tools
• Active involvement in national hydrology or water engineering communities
• Track record of sharing technical innovations through publications and industry presentations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil, environmental, or other relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered status with Engineers Australia or equivalent
• RPEQ accreditation and eligibility for RPEV

Why Join Us?

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 accelerate your career with purpose and make your mark on the future of our communities, we want to hear from you. #LI-CG3