Principal Engineer
The University of QueenslandJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
University of Queensland seeks a Principal Engineer to optimise performance across a large facility portfolio at the St Lucia Campus. This full-time onsite role reports to the Building Services Lead and aims to improve operations, reduce energy use, and deliver high-performing buildings with exposure to Operational AI. You will lead initiatives, analyse energy and controls data, and support project lifecycles while assuring quality across building services. About you: an Engineering or Science degree with four or more years in Building Services or Sustainability, plus strong data analysis and project management. To apply, tailor your resume and cover letter to address the About You criteria with concrete energy projects. Applications close 12 March 2026 11.00pm AEST; right to work in Australia required; no sponsorship.
Full-time permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $104,616 - $113,920 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7).
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
The Principal Engineer plays a pivotal role in optimising the performance of UQ’s extensive building portfolio, comprising more than 600 facilities across multiple campuses. Reporting to the Building Services Lead within the Infrastructure & Sustainability team, this position focuses on improving operational performance, reducing energy consumption, and supporting the delivery of sustainable, high-performing buildings.
Working client-side within one of Queensland’s most diverse property portfolios, you will apply your engineering expertise to move energy reduction initiatives from concept through to implementation. The role will also contribute to UQ’s early trials and adoption of Operational AI systems to enhance building efficiency, performance, and long-term sustainability outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include:
Leading building performance optimisation initiatives across UQ’s existing portfolio and new developments
Undertaking detailed analysis of energy, metering, controls and system data to identify, scope and implement improvement projects aligned to UQ’s 2030 energy reduction targets
Providing subject matter expertise across project lifecycles, including technical review, field investigations, business case analysis and quality assurance
Supporting the implementation of Operational AI systems and working closely with internal teams and external consultants to deliver measurable performance improvements
Liaising with UQs internal engineering teams to support their discipline specific building optimisation goals.
Assisting in the governance of UQ’s Technical and Quality Assurance processes and ensuring high quality technical outcomes for building services projects.
Assists with developing guidelines and other documentation on technical operations, specifications, projects or programs
Executes project management plans for small, localised projects, including procurement processes and stakeholder management
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities – access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
About You
A degree in Engineering or Science with at least four years’ experience in Building Services, Building Sustainability, or a related discipline
Demonstrated experience in building systems optimisation, energy management, controls or HVAC performance (experience in optimisation of existing systems highly regarded)
Advanced capability in data and spreadsheet analysis, including development of forecasting models and reporting tools
Strong understanding of building services principles, technical compliance requirements and whole-of-life asset performance
Sound project management skills with the ability to independently scope, prioritise and deliver technical initiatives
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across varying technical backgrounds
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Nathan Catling, at [email protected]
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Thursday 12th March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60561).