Principal Engineer - Mechanical Design

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Water Corporation seeks a permanent Principal Engineer in Mechanical Design to lead complex investigations and design of WA water infrastructure based in Leederville. You will provide technical leadership, develop design standards, manage consultant engagement, report on performance and failures, and support continuous improvement in best practice systems. The role emphasizes collaboration with planners, designers, constructors and operators, plus stakeholder negotiation. Key requirements: mechanical engineering degree and substantial water-sector design experience, proven leadership. Benefits include flexible work options, wellbeing days, long service leave, generous superannuation, and leave purchasing. To apply, submit a tailored cover letter and resume by 2 February 2026; highlight leadership, project delivery, design management and ability to influence senior stakeholders; expect pre-employment screening. Diverse applicants encouraged.

Thrive in a dynamic role as you shape WA’s water future. We are looking for people who are inspired to find better solutions, so together we can shape WA’s water future. At Water Corporation, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace. Our community is made up of committed and energetic individuals who prioritise a healthy work-life balance and embrace a diverse and vibrant culture.

About the role

We have a permanent opportunity for a Principal Engineer joining our Mechanical Design team. You’ll be part of the team that undertakes, leads and delivers quality planning, definition, design and design management services on project across WA. As a technical leader, you’ll also provide a centre of expertise technical support and advice to planners, designers, constructors and operators as well as set our standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to help Water Corporation adopt more sustainable, reliable and easier approach to providing one of life's essentials – water. The role will be based in our Leederville office and will report to our Team Lead - Mechanical Design.

What the role will involve

• Lead and coordinate complex investigations, conceptual planning and financial analysis for assessment, development, and remedial works of allocated infrastructure assets
• Develop and deliver strategic or complex reports and designs for the solution of infrastructure problems using in-house or external resources
• Prepare briefs for the engagement of consultants, evaluate consultant proposals and report appropriate conclusions and recommendations
• Manage the planning, definition and design of projects by consultants and review outputs and performance, appropriate design criteria, client requirements and to agreed time and cost
• Report on infrastructure design performance and failures, providing detailed analysis and recommendations of subsequent preventive measures
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of design standards and strategic product specifications
• Provide subject matter expertise and engineering consulting advice within the Corporation on mechanical design to enable development and continuous improvement of best practice systems and tools

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, and flexible work hours
• Two well-being days each year to do whatever you need to do to feel good
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Take advantage of our co-contribution superannuation scheme: Receive a 12% employer contribution and enjoy an additional 2% employer co-contribution when you elect to salary sacrifice 2%
• Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave

Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.

About you

You’ll have a degree level qualification in mechanical engineering, along with extensive water related professional engineering experience in relation to infrastructure planning, definition and/or detailed design of water infrastructure assets. You’ll also have advanced experience in the preparation of detailed designs and review of technical reports and tender specifications for water industry infrastructure. Your demonstrated leadership, and ability to collaborate, negotiate and influence both senior internal and external stakeholders will ensure success in this role.

Sound like a match? Apply today

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.  

Applications close Monday 2nd February 2026

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community. 

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. 

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at [email protected] or 08 9420 2000. To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website