Deputy Chief Engineer

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is seeking an accomplished engineering executive to lead the Pavements, Materials and Geotechnical (PMG) Directorate as Deputy Chief Engineer.

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, Engineering and Technology, you will set strategic direction for four specialised units (Materials Laboratory Services, Geotechnical, Pavement Research and Innovation, and Pavement Rehabilitation) overseeing a $22 million budget and the technical standards underpinning Queensland’s road network.

You will bring established technical leadership in pavements, materials and geotechnical engineering, strong stakeholder engagement, and a Washington Accord accredited engineering degree with RPEQ registration (or eligibility to attain it prior to appointment).
Contact Ryan Webster on 0483 956 *** or *****@sde.com.au for a confidential discussion.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is entrusted with one of the largest and most complex road networks in Australia, connecting communities across Queensland's cities, regions and remote areas. Within the Engineering and Technology Branch, the Pavements, Materials and Geotechnical (PMG) Directorate provide the technical expertise, standards and research that underpin the design, construction and maintenance of the state's road pavements.

As Deputy Chief Engineer (PMG), you will lead a directorate of four specialised units; Materials Laboratory Services, Geotechnical, Pavement Research and Innovation, and Pavement Rehabilitation; supported by a team of established technical leaders. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, Engineering and Technology, and working as an integral member of the branch leadership team, you will set the strategic direction for pavement, materials and geotechnical engineering across the state.

The role carries significant scope: overseeing an operating budget of $22 million and income generation of $13 million, managing a $1.25 million financial delegation, and leading the department's materials testing laboratory. You will drive the development of technical standards underpinning road construction and rehabilitation across Queensland and play a key role in the TMR/National Transport Research Organisation's National Asset Centre of Excellence (NACOE) research program.

Working collaboratively with districts, industry and research partners, you will translate innovation into cost-effective, sustainable pavement outcomes, while providing authoritative technical advice to the Minister, Director-General and Senior Leadership Team.

You will be an established technical leader with deep expertise across pavement design, geotechnical engineering, materials testing and technical governance, complemented by the strategic and systems thinking needed to align four specialised units with departmental priorities. Your track record in executive stakeholder engagement will be well proven, with the credibility to influence policy and build trusted relationships with industry, academia and government. Strong operational and financial stewardship, together with the people leadership to inspire a diverse technical workforce and foster a culture of safety and innovation, will be essential.

You will hold a Washington Accord accredited four-year degree in Engineering (or recognised equivalence), and registration as a Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) is mandatory for appointment; engineers may apply prior to registration provided this is attained before commencing.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Queensland's road pavements at a senior executive level, within a team with a strong and trusted reputation.

For a confidential discussion, contact Ryan Webster on 0483 956 *** or *****@sde.com.au, or submit a cover letter and current CV via https://www.sixdegreesexecutive.com.au/jobs/37142 by 14 September 2026.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.