Principal Engineer at University of Queensland

City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 May, 26

Salary

113920.0

Posted On

20 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Building Performance Optimisation, Energy Reduction Initiatives, Operational AI Systems, Data Analysis, Metering, Controls Systems, Subject Matter Expertise, Technical Review, Business Case Analysis, Quality Assurance, Project Management, Procurement Processes, Stakeholder Management, HVAC Performance, Forecasting Models, Technical Compliance

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Property and Facilities 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 n.catling@uq.edu.au For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au 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 talent@uq.edu.au. 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). The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million). Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries. UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way. UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work. For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.

Responsibilities

The Principal Engineer will lead building performance optimisation initiatives across the existing portfolio and new developments, focusing on improving operational performance and reducing energy consumption by analyzing system data to implement improvements. This role also involves contributing to the adoption of Operational AI systems and providing subject matter expertise across project lifecycles, including technical review and quality assurance.