Job Description

About this opportunity

Yarra Trams is seeking a highly experienced and influential engineering leader to provide technical leadership and governance across the Electronics and Communications Engineering discipline. This role will play a critical role in shaping engineering strategy, standards and capability, ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of Melbourne's tram network.

Reporting to the Chief Engineering Officer the Head of Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering will require be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can influence all levels of our business and effectively engage with key stakeholders, that include regulatory bodies such as the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Department of Transport. Key accountabilities of this position include:

• Acting as the Engineering Design Authority for the Electronics and Communications Engineering discipline.
• Providing strategic and operational leadership to build, develop and retain electrical engineering capability across Yarra Trams.
• Leading, mentoring and inspiring electrical engineers to support their professional growth and development.
• Developing and implementing engineering strategies, standards, policies, processes and procedures that support business performance and operational excellence.
• Maintaining ownership of engineering standards, procedures, guidelines and associated documentation within the Electronics and Communications Engineering discipline.
• Driving innovation and continuous improvement in engineering practices and processes.
• Leading the preparation and approval of engineering specifications, reports and engineering changes to ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Providing technical assurance and expert engineering advice across the organisation.
• Reviewing and approving the design of electrical systems and interfaces.
• Approving complex modifications and changes to electrical systems

About you

Ideally you are a respected engineering professional with extensive experience leading engineering functions within large, complex and highly regulated environments. You combine deep technical expertise with strategic leadership capability and are passionate about developing engineering excellence and capability across an organisation.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Essential qualifications:

• A Washington Accord accredited degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Current registration, or a demonstrated pathway to registration, on the Victorian Engineers Register (VER).
• Current Chartered Engineer status, or a demonstrated pathway to Chartership, with Engineers Australia or an equivalent organisation recognised under the Mutual Recognition Agreement in the Electrical Engineering Area of Competency.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• Assessment at a minimum SFIA Level 6.
• Proven experience leading an engineering function and delivering strategic engineering leadership, including the development of engineering strategies, policies, processes and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and operate effectively at a senior strategic level.
• Extensive experience in senior engineering or asset management roles.
• Strong knowledge of engineering management systems, design management and competency frameworks within large and complex organisations.
• Technical expertise in Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Expert understanding of systems engineering and reliability engineering principles.
• Experience conducting engineering audits, assurance programs and technical reviews.
• Experience contributing to the development, consultation and implementation of regulations, codes of practice and engineering standards.
• Strong understanding of OHS&E legislation, compliance obligations and duty of care responsibilities.
• Knowledge of rail systems, components and design methodologies not essential but highly regarded.

Personal attributes:

• Exceptional leadership, coaching and mentoring capability.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
• Strong decision-making ability in complex technical environments.
• A commitment to safety, engineering integrity and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive and innovative approach to solving complex engineering challenges.

Applications close: 04 September 2026