Senior Project Engineer Pre-Contracts

Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Are you a technically skilled engineer with a passion for pre-contracts and tender leadership? Downer is seeking a Senior Project Engineer Pre-Contracts to join our Specialised Pavements & Projects team to support the delivery of innovative, sustainable infrastructure projects.

As a Senior Project Engineer Pre-Contracts, you will lead bid development and provide technical design input across tenders and project delivery phases. Working within the Specialised Pavements & Projects business unit, your focus will be on achieving optimal design, planning, and constructability outcomes while maintaining a strong Zero Harm culture. You’ll collaborate with estimators, planners, project managers, and design consultants to ensure seamless handover from pre-contracts to delivery, supporting the sustainable growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bid preparation and provide technical input during tenders.
• Review client designs and drawings to support BOQ development.
• Develop project programs and schedules in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Identify design risks and propose alternative solutions to enhance constructability.
• Support estimators with design evaluations and quantity take-offs.
• Maintain strong client and consultant relationships, positioning Downer as a trusted advisor.
• Ensure compliance with Zero Harm, safety, and environmental standards.

About you

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in pavements or civil construction, with design and estimating expertise.
• Experience working in an airfield environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of pavement construction methodologies and surfacing treatments.
• Proficiency in evaluating 12D and DWG files for accurate Bill of Quantities.
• Intermediate skills in MS Project and Primavera P6.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work across virtual teams and tight deadlines.
• Strong safety focus - actively participate in and support Downer Zero Harm initiatives and strategies.

Downer is a company that believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work-life balance, and above benchmark services. We also offer a range of benefits including:

• Access to Perks@Downer, which offers discounts and savings on various products, including retail items, travel deals and entertainment options.
• Be part of an industry-leading company committed to safety, innovation, and operational excellence
• Contribute to impactful projects that drive efficiency and sustainability

To join the Downer team please “apply now”. We respectfully request no recruitment agency approaches. Please be advised that email applications will not be accepted. 

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.  

About Us

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities. 

About the Organization

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.Experience leading tenders and technical design input in the Airports surfacing space required!