- Shape Queensland’s rail future through system‑level engineering authority
- Own rail systems assurance across the state’s largest infrastructure investments
- Set the technical standard for safety‑critical rail delivery at scale
Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is Queensland’s lead agency for integrated transport systems and infrastructure, responsible for shaping how people live, work and move across one of Australia’s fastest‑growing states. The department plans, delivers and manages one of the nation’s largest and most diverse transport networks, spanning extensive road assets, complex urban and regional rail systems, and Southeast Queensland’s integrated public transport network through TransLink.
TMR is also the custodian of long‑term transport policy, planning and regulation at a time of sustained population growth and significant infrastructure investment. With more than 8,500 professionals across engineering, systems, project delivery, planning, policy and operations, the organisation is delivering city‑shaping and state‑significant infrastructure in the lead‑up to, and beyond, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Everything TMR does is underpinned by a strong commitment to safety, engineering excellence, resilience and long‑term public value.
The Opportunity
TMR is seeking an accomplished, technically authoritative executive to join the Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office (RIDO) as Executive Director (Rail Engineering and Systems).
RIDO provides a coordinated, disciplined and delivery‑focused approach to Queensland’s major rail infrastructure program and has developed a strong reputation for governance, technical rigour and effective collaboration with industry. It leads a growing portfolio of complex, high‑value rail projects critical to network capacity, safety and long‑term performance.
Reporting to the General Manager (RIDO), this role holds enterprise‑level accountability for engineering and systems assurance across one of the largest rail infrastructure investment programs in Australia. You will shape how rail infrastructure is engineered, assured and integrated, and ensure that safety, performance and long‑term system integrity are maintained across the full project lifecycle.
You will lead engineering and systems assurance from early planning and procurement through delivery, commissioning and handover to operations. The role carries significant influence, with decisions that directly affect the long‑term safety, reliability and resilience of Queensland’s rail network and the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
As Executive Director (Rail Engineering and Systems), you will provide strategic leadership and authoritative oversight of engineering and systems assurance across RIDO’s $7 billion portfolio of major rail projects.
You will set the direction for systems engineering, technical governance and safety assurance, ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with legislative, regulatory and government requirements. This includes leading the development and application of engineering, design and technical standards and ensuring consistency across disciplines, projects and delivery partners.
You will oversee end‑to‑end system assurance activities, including systems integration, interface management, risk and hazard management, independent safety assessments and the development and acceptance of safety cases. You will ensure assurance frameworks cover infrastructure, stations, systems and operational interfaces, providing confidence that complex, safety‑critical assets are fit for service.
You will provide clear, evidence‑based advice to senior executives and government stakeholders on complex engineering and assurance matters, supporting informed decision‑making on technical risk, performance and whole‑of‑life outcomes in a highly scrutinised public environment.
You will work closely with Queensland Rail, delivery partners and internal stakeholders to manage technical interfaces across concurrent programs. You will also champion contemporary engineering practice, including digital engineering and emerging technologies, to enhance safety, productivity and long‑term value. Building and sustaining capability will be central to the role, including leading senior technical leaders and strengthening professional practice across RIDO.
About You
You are a highly respected executive leader with extensive experience in complex, safety‑critical rail or major transport infrastructure environments. You bring deep expertise in systems engineering, technical governance and assurance, combined with the credibility and judgement required to operate at the most senior levels of government and industry.
You are motivated by stewardship as much as delivery, with a clear appreciation of the long‑term implications of engineering decisions on safety, performance and public trust. Your leadership style is measured, collaborative and inclusive, enabling you to build high‑performing technical teams and strong, productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
You are comfortable operating in environments characterised by complexity, ambiguity and pressure, and you apply sound engineering judgement and rigorous analysis to resolve issues and guide decisions. You have a proven track record leading large‑scale infrastructure programs where safety, compliance, performance and public value are paramount.
A Washington Accord‑accredited engineering degree and current RPEQ registration are essential. Extensive experience in rail or transport infrastructure is required. Postgraduate qualifications and experience working within, or closely with, government will be highly regarded.
Why Join TMR
This is a senior executive role offering the opportunity to shape Queensland’s rail network well beyond current delivery horizons. The work is complex, highly visible and technically demanding, providing the opportunity to apply engineering judgement at a system level in the public interest. As part of RIDO’s executive leadership team, you will help set the technical foundations for a rail program that will serve Queensland communities for generations.
Please click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, motivation and suitability for the role. For a confidential discussion, please contact Neil McEwan on 0403 597 905 or Stephen Veness on 0488 336 857.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Applications close on 13th May 2026
