Company description:

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Assets and Engineering Division (A&E) enables a safe, resilient and fit-for-purpose Victorian transport system through whole of lifecycle decisions based on systematic and disciplined technical excellence. A&E influence each stage of the Victorian transport asset lifecycle to realise a reliable transport network for our communities, through policy, planning, investment and technical standards.

Our work optimises the value and sustainability of allocated resources (capital and operating) across the Victorian transport portfolio and its asset base.

Job description:

About the Role

This is an ongoing STS 7 role

Are you ready to take on a high-impact leadership role that shapes the future of Victoria's transport infrastructure? The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is seeking a highly motivated and respected technical expert to be the State's next Principal Engineer - Geotechnical.

This pivotal position sits within the Standards and Transport Engineering (STE) Branch of the Assets & Engineering division and reports to the Senior Manager, Road Engineering. As the Principal Engineer, you will serve as the State's foremost advisor on geotechnical engineering—including structural foundations, slope stability, geotechnical monitoring, and road-building materials—providing expert guidance to DTP, the Victorian Government, and the broader road-based transport sector.

You'll lead the development, interpretation, and maintenance of technical policy, standards, and asset management strategies related to road formations and geotechnical risks. You'll also represent the Department in key forums, including the Technical Reference Panel, providing high-level input into major infrastructure decisions and complex design reviews, while actively advising the Chief Engineer - Roads.

This role plays a vital part in responding to statewide emergencies involving roadside slips, and leads the DTP Protection Work Notice process as well as the Road Geotechnical Hazard Risk Management Guide. As part of a thriving technical community of practice, you'll collaborate with geotechnical leaders across DTP and ensure geotechnical inputs reflect best practice and emerging trends.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the geotechnical discipline at a whole-of-state level—driving engineering excellence, shaping public policy, and supporting the safe, sustainable delivery of infrastructure that connects millions of Victorians every day.

To view a copy of the position description click here

What we're looking for

• Tertiary qualification in engineering and extensive experience in advanced geotechnical matters
• RPEV registered, or has qualifications that enable you to become registered, to meet the requirements of the Professioinal Engineers Registration Act 2019
• Experience in the geotechnical design, assessment and management of infrastructure that enables the operation of a road network

How to Apply
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter, which clearly articulates how you meet the inherit requirements of the role.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications close 11.59pm on 22 June 2025.

For further information about the role please contact Arthur Apostolopoulos, Senior Manager Roads Engineering via [email protected]