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About SA Water

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

With operations and offices across the state, our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact, and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

As Lead Engineering Studies, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering engineering activities that meet scope, time, cost, and quality expectations while driving best-for-business outcomes. You will lead the transition to Sustainable Engineering, championing Systems Engineering, Value Management, and CAPEX investigations to support the scoping of major capital projects in collaboration with key stakeholders.

About the Person

You’re not just an engineer—you’re a leader who thrives on making an impact. You love bringing people together, inspiring teams, and turning big ideas into practical solutions. Empower your team by combining technical expertise with a results-driven approach, all while fostering collaboration at every level.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a culture of safety and excellence.
• Drive sustainable engineering practices, including Systems Engineering, Safety in Design (SiD), and Sustainability in Design (SuiD).
• Ensure compliance with all organisational, legal, and regulatory obligations, maintaining the integrity of SA Water’s Corporate Compliance Framework.
• Deliver fit-for-purpose, high-quality engineering solutions that meet customer needs and provide value-for-money outcomes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to scope, plan, and optimise capital projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Champion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, technical capability, and service delivery.
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring technical capability matches project requirements and supporting succession planning and knowledge sharing.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Degree-qualified professional engineer in a relevant discipline (e.g., B.Eng).
• Proven leadership experience, including design management, project management or people management is desirable.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to liaise and coordinate effectively across multiple teams.
• Excellent technical writing and reporting skills, with experience preparing professional documentation.
• Background in engineering design and review, including development and review of infrastructure standards.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainable engineering practices and familiarity with industry standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience in applying value engineering practices and principals.

Benefits you will get in return:

• Work life balance and flexible working arrangements.
• 17 weeks paid parental leave.
• Work with cutting edge technology on a variety of assets and diverse projects.
• Mentorship and opportunities for career development to shape the future of the organisation.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Wellbeing days, Cultural Leave, Volunteering Day
• Super SA benefits
• Option to extend your holidays by Purchasing Leave

You will be an integral part of the organisation and community, mentoring and leading within the team to achieve company strategies. This Lead role will have an impact on the future of SA Water Engineering. SA Water offers flexibility within the position whereby you can work in a hybrid capacity, from both home and the office.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Lead Engineering Studies - PD.docx

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume, by 5:00PM 13th of February. For enquiries, please contact Gregg Forte from the Talent Acquisition team on Gregg.forte@sawater.com.au

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.