PRINCIPAL ENGINEERING OFFICER

Personnel Area: City Planning Economic Development Services 

Branch: Development Services

Salary Range: Band 7 $132,572 - $144,942 per annum + Superannuation

(Remuneration stated is for full-time positions)

Work type: 2x Temporary Full-time

Duration: Up to 2 years

Location: Brisbane Square

Our Business

City Planning and Economic Development Services (CPEDS) is responsible for supporting local businesses, facilitating economic growth, planning for sustainable growth, and delivering development permitting services.

Our purpose is to help create a future Brisbane, embracing its inherent qualities while sustainably growing and shaping the city’s unique identity – its liveability, character, economy and environment in alignment with the Brisbane Vision 2031. 

Our Branch

Development Services facilitates high-quality, sustainable development outcomes for Brisbane, through efficient and professional development assessment and management processes, systems and practices.

The Role

Join a high‑performing team where you’ll lead skilled engineers in delivering high‑quality development application assessments that shape our city’s future. In this pivotal role, you’ll apply a high‑level understanding of legislation, policies and processes while exercising delegated authority for engineering applications and permits. You will manage complex technical assessments, resolve escalated technical issues with a high-level of professional engineering judgement and discretion, and provide trusted technical advice to Development Services Managers, Councillors and Council Executives.

You will also provide hands‑on supervision, coaching, mentoring and expert guidance to support strong project management capability and deliver high‑quality development outcomes. In this role, you’ll oversee day‑to‑day workloads, drive staff performance, and champion continuous professional development to build a cohesive, motivated and future‑ready team. This role blends leadership, technical challenge and meaningful community impact.

To be considered you will have:

• demonstrated expertise in applying best‑practice engineering principles to assess infrastructure applications within complex legislative frameworks
• the ability to interpret and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, guidelines and standards
• well-developed organisation and time management skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• strong ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality in a complex, fast‑paced environment
• demonstrated ability allocating day‑to‑day workloads, setting clear priorities and expectations, providing support and feedback and monitoring ongoing performance
• strong communication skills with negotiation and consulting experience
• proven leadership capabilities consistent with Council’s Leadership Blueprint.

This role requires a Tertiary Engineering Qualification, valid ‘C’ Class Drivers licence and Criminal History Check.

Please consider the full position description, and tailor your cover letter and resume to outline your suitability.

Benefits of working for Council include:  

• flexible working hours, and flexible arrangements  
• free gym and wellness centre  
• award winning superannuation fund  
• generous leave provisions  
• competitive salary.   

Benefits of working for Council: CLICK HERE 

How to apply: Click on the 'I’m interested' button to complete your online application. Please upload a tailored resume and one-page cover letter demonstrating your suitability to the position.  

For more information: Please call Larissa Robl on 07 3178 4280

People from diverse backgrounds, including those living with a disability and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who may have questions about the recruitment process or working at Council, are encouraged to reach out to the contact above, who can connect you with a member of Council’s Diversity and Inclusion team.

Closing Date: Sunday 22 February 2026 at 11:55pm AEST   

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.