Principal Primary Engineer role in Australia

More about this Principal Primary Engineer  Role

Joining an established and high performing team comprised of over 60 engineers and designers, the Principal Primary Engineer is a key contributor to project success and holder of Technical Authority for primary design. This role involves producing detailed “for construction” designs with a strong consideration of constructability, operability and maintainability requirements. It also involves mentoring engineers within the organisation to support them in developing primary design documents for the Principal’s review and approval.

The Principal Primary Engineer is responsible for the following:

• Provide leadership and technical oversight to engineers and designers within the company.
• Comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements and client obligations regarding primary engineering design and construction activities.
• Lead, motivate and mentor all engineering personnel within the organisation.
• Design and produce drawings of electrical systems using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD), including assessment of emerging tools such as 3D design and AI-aided design.
• Produce primary reports such as insulation coordination and short-circuit force, while mentoring others and reviewing their reports.
• Evolve and improve standard primary designs and prepare and interpret equipment specifications and drawings, confirming technical compliance and fit-for-project status before procurement.
• Ensure completed works meet client specifications and relevant industry, national or international standards.
• Contribute to and adhere to safety requirements, particularly Safety in Design.

Senior staff must lead by example, showing a positive commitment to Work Health and Safety (WHS) and the environment. Principal Engineers have responsibilities to carry out their roles and accountabilities under WHS legislation, identify and control WHS and environmental risks, and ensure that work areas, methods, materials and equipment comply with legislative and industry standards.

The Principal Primary Engineer is expected to identify, analyse and solve problems, possess strong oral and written communication skills, display leadership skills, enjoy technical design, and be practical and creative while working independently and accepting responsibility for outcomes within their control.

Three key behaviours displayed by the Principal Engineer are:

• Teamwork – commitment to work well with others, share the load, support team members and treat everyone with respect.
• “Can do” attitude – proactive approach to tasks with a focus on finding solutions.
• High performance – striving to consistently deliver quality outcomes within time constraints.

This rewarding role will allow the successful candidate to further develop their career in a dynamic environment with an interesting, challenging and diverse range of projects.