Principal Engineering Geologist, Melbourne

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 an accomplished Principal Engineering Geologist to join our team in Melbourne. This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape complex projects, influence strategic direction, and contribute to business growth while mentoring the next generation of professionals.

As a Principal Engineering Geologist, you will provide expert technical guidance and high-level project management across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will play a key role in reviewing major project deliverables, developing concept designs, and supporting the pursuit of new business opportunities. This position requires strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.

Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure quality, timeliness, and coordination of project deliverables
• Provide expert technical advice and undertake complex analysis and design tasks to meet client and industry standards
• Oversee and manage multiple projects of varying scale and complexity, ensuring delivery within scope, time, and budget
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposal preparation and securing new work
• Mentor, coach, and supervise team members, fostering technical growth and capability
• Support strategic planning and contribute to the overall direction of the discipline
• Maintain strong client relationships and manage stakeholder expectations

About You

You are a highly experienced Engineering Geologist with a strong industry reputation and a proven ability to lead complex projects and teams. You bring a combination of technical excellence, leadership capability, and commercial insight.

Suitable applicants will be/have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent)
• Membership with Engineers Australia
• Chartered status (CPEng) and 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

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

For a confidential discussion please reach out to Ami: ami.jordan@smec.com

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

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!