Job Description

At Downer Rail and Transit Systems, we are redefining what it means to be a subject matter expert who can materially drive and support the growth plans within RTS and Engineering. This is not a legacy role or a technical advisory seat for the late stage of a career. This is a forward-leaning, high-impact position at the heart of our commercial and delivery strategy. We’re building a team of elite, high-performing Principal Engineers— professional engineers who thrive in complex environments, earn their place through performance, and are relentless in pursuit of exploiting existing opportunities, creating new opportunities and striving for technical excellence.

About the role

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead the development, coordination, and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary rail and transit systems. You will play a pivotal role in securing strategic and technically complex work, expanding existing engagements and leading programs across Australia’s rail and transit sector and our new/emerging markets, which may be outside of our shores.

You will be trusted to shape solutions, build enduring client relationships, and drive technical and commercial outcomes from the front line. This is a role where leadership, customer focus, and delivery excellence intersect.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and support across complex projects and strategic opportunities.
• Lead the development and presentation of engineering solutions to prospective and existing clients.
• Drive revenue growth through scope expansion, value-added services, and innovative solutions.
• Promote and contribute to innovation, encouraging new ideas for business development and product enhancement.
• Deliver high-quality technical advice and subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Discipline Manager in maintaining team knowledge currency and knowledge share initiatives
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Achieve strong utilisation outcomes and contribute to the overall performance of the engineering function.
• Build trust and confidence with consulting clients through consistent delivery and professional engagement.

About you

• Degree qualifications – relevant Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (Systems Engineering) in Australia, and able to attain registration in applicable states. Other applicable industry certification desirable (e.g. ASEP/CSEP)
• Strong background in Systems Engineering and Systems Integration.
• Detailed knowledge of the application of ISO15288 and EN50126/EN50128/EN50129 to the rail environment in Australia.
• Experience with leveraging the value of Requirements Management tools (e.g. DOORS)
• Knowledge of specialist engineering processes desirable: RAM, Human Factors, Safety and Cyber Security
• Proven experience in technical leadership within complex engineering environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver services and sell technical expertise into external organisations and comfortable working within or learning teams embedded in client environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a clear and professional style.
• Confident in client-facing roles, with a focus on building strong, trusted relationships.

What We Offer:

• A workplace focused on Zero Harm; safety is at the core of everything we do
• Flexible working arrangements to encourage work/life balance
• Work for a leading ASX multi-disciplinary organisation
• Cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace that facilitates opportunity and respect

For more information on this opportunity please contact Fionah.bryant1@downergroup.com

Employment with Downer is subject to a Pre-Employment Medical, and on-going drug and alcohol screening.

Downer does not accept any unsolicited resume referrals from Recruitment Agencies.

Notwithstanding the location of this position, all qualified Australian citizens and permanent residents from all locations are encouraged to apply.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.