Principal Drainage Engineer

KBR is proud to be the Principal Design Partner on the North Western Program Alliance (NWPA)—a long‑standing partnership between the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), Metro Trains Melbourne, KBR and John Holland. 

Established in 2017, NWPA has delivered approximately $3 billion in major transport infrastructure for Victoria. Building on this success, LXRP has awarded the alliance a five‑year extension, providing a strong, sustainable pipeline of complex rail and transport projects across Melbourne through to 2027. 

Current and upcoming works include Melbourne Airport Rail – Stage 1, the Ruthven and Seaford level crossing removals, and multiple viaduct‑style bridge projects, with further major projects already in development. 

Why Join KBR on NWPA? 

With Victoria’s transport sector continuing to grow, NWPA offers a rare opportunity to work on city‑shaping infrastructure within a high‑performing, collaborative alliance environment. 

At KBR and NWPA, we aim to be recognised as “the place to be”—for capability, culture and career development. You’ll benefit from: 

• Exposure to diverse, high‑profile projects across road, rail and major transport infrastructure 

• A genuinely collaborative, no‑blame alliance culture focused on solving challenges together 

• Strong support for workload balance, wellbeing and flexible ways of working 

• Access to internal and external learning programs, including KBR’s 101 training series 

• A hybrid working model, with the flexibility to work from home, our Melbourne office, or project sites 

The Opportunity 

As NWPA continues to expand, we are seeking an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. 

While your initial focus will be with NWPA, this is a permanent role with KBR, offering long‑term career opportunities on iconic infrastructure projects across Australia. 

The Role 

As a Principal Drainage Engineer, you will play a critical leadership role in delivering some of Victoria’s most complex and high‑profile transport projects. 

You will act as the Drainage Lead on major multidisciplinary programs, taking ownership of technical direction, leading design development, and navigating complex engineering challenges to deliver robust, innovative drainage solutions across road and rail environments. 

You will provide high‑level technical leadership, mentor engineers at all levels, and work closely with clients and alliance partners to ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, cost and schedule. 

Key Responsibilities 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and deliver complex drainage and hydrology designs across major infrastructure projects 

• Set technical direction and ensure design excellence across all project stages 

• Manage competing constraints, approvals pathways and interface challenges 

• Integrate commercial, safety, constructability and regulatory requirements into design solutions 

• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers, designers and drafters 

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients and stakeholders 

About You 

You are an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer with deep technical expertise and a proven track record of leading drainage design on major civil infrastructure projects. You thrive in complex environments, bring clarity to multidisciplinary teams, and confidently guide both technical outcomes and people. 

You bring: 

• A degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent) 

• Significant experience delivering major infrastructure projects with consultants, contractors and government agencies 

• Demonstrated experience acting as a Drainage Lead on large road, rail or transport programs 

• Advanced expertise in drainage design and hydrology modelling software 

• Strong knowledge of relevant standards and guidelines (Austroads, State Transport Authority requirements, etc.) 

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or eligibility to obtain 

At KBR, We Value You 

Our values define how we operate and how we support our people: 

We Value Our People, We Deliver, We Are People of Integrity, We Empower, and We Are a Team of Teams. 

As you focus on leading high‑impact engineering solutions, we ensure you have the support, flexibility, and autonomy you need to thrive. Enjoy hybrid working options, family‑friendly arrangements, and a culture built on trust, empowerment, and collaboration. 

At KBR, you’ll work alongside some of the industry’s most respected experts with the support of a global organisation—and the connected, supportive feel of a local team. Here, you’re not just part of the business; you’re integral to shaping its future. 

KBR values an inclusive and diverse work environment, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Our hiring decisions are based on the key requirements of each role and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and experiences. 

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