Join or sign in to find your next job Join to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer role at Downer 2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer role at Downer Downer RTS is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer! Design, integrate, and optimise complex systems that power Australia's rail future. At Downer Rail and Transit Systems, we're redefining what it means to be a subject matter expert who can materially drive and support the growth plans within RTS's new Engineering Consulting Services. This is not a legacy role or a technical advisory seat for the late stage of a career. This is a forward-leaning, high-impact position at the heart of our commercial and delivery strategy. We're building a team of elite, high-performing Principal Engineers- professional engineers who thrive in complex environments, earn their place through performance, and are relentless in pursuit of expanding existing opportunities, creating new opportunities and striving for technical excellence. About the role As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will lead the development, coordination, and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary rail and transit systems across engineering consultancy engagements and large projects. You will play a pivotal role in securing strategic and technically complex work, expanding existing engagements and leading programs across Australia's rail and transit sector and our new / emerging markets, which may be outside of our shores. You'll be trusted to shape solutions, build enduring client relationships, and drive technical and commercial outcomes from the front line. This is a role where leadership, customer focus, and delivery excellence intersect. Key responsibilities Foster a culture of technical excellence, client satisfaction, delivery focus among the engineering team. Provide expert technical leadership and support across complex projects and strategic opportunities. Lead the development and presentation of engineering solutions to prospective and existing clients. Drive revenue growth through scope expansion, value-added services, and innovative solutions. Promote and contribute to innovation, encouraging new ideas for business development and product enhancement. Deliver high-quality technical advice and subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders. Support the Discipline Manager in maintaining team knowledge currency and training initiatives Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff, including the development of future Principal Engineers. Achieve strong utilisation outcomes and contribute to the overall performance of the engineering function. Build trust and confidence with consulting clients through consistent delivery and professional engagement. About you Degree qualifications - relevant Engineering or equivalent. Chartered Engineer (Systems Engineering) in Australia, and able to attain registration in applicable states. Other applicable industry certification desirable (e.g. CSEP) Strong background in Systems Engineering and Systems Integration. Detailed knowledge of the application of ISO15288 and EN50126/EN50128/EN50129 to the rail environment in Australia. Experience with leveraging the value of Requirements Management tools (e.g. DOORS) Knowledge of specialist engineering processes: RAM, Human Factors, Safety and Cyber Security Extensive proven experience in technical leadership within complex engineering environments. Demonstrated ability to deliver services and sell technical expertise into external organisations and comfortable working within or learning teams embedded in client environments. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a clear and professional style. Confident in client-facing roles, with a focus on building strong, trusted relationships. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required by project commitments. What we offer Be part of a market leader in rail and transit asset management. Work on cutting-edge transport projects and innovative technologies. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Opportunities for professional development and internal mobility. Perks@Downer: Save on everyday essentials, tech, travel, and more Flexible Work Options: Including remote work, and location flexibility Lifestyle Offers: Discounts on vehicle rentals, tech products, and shopping Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Industries Rail Transportation Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Downer by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Principal System Engineer” roles. 2025 Software Development Graduate (AWS, Auckland,NZ), (0-2 Years, Entry-Level) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks ago Software Engineer, Engineering Productivity, Android, Early Career Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days ago Eveleigh, New South Wales, Australia 1 week ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks ago Software Engineer - Frontend (Open to remote across ANZ) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A$99,938.00-A$110,271.00 2 weeks ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 6 days ago Frontend Software Engineer - CMS Team (Open Across ANZ) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days ago Software Engineer, Early Career, iOS, Photos Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 23 hours ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A$80,000.00-A$100,000.00 6 days ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 23 hours ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 month ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days ago Software Engineer - (Java) Backend (Open to remote across ANZ) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 4 days ago Lane Cove West, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 6 months ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A$65,000.00-A$70,000.00 3 weeks ago Software Engineering Internship (Dec 2025 - March 2026) Software Engineer, Google Global Networking Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days ago Software Engineering Internship (Dec 2025 - March 2026) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A$80,000.00-A$120,000.00 3 weeks ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 months ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 5 days ago North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 6 days ago Software Development Graduate (2025, AWS) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 19 hours ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 hours ago Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia 1 day ago Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 months ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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