Principal Project Manager

Role overview

AECOM is seeking a Principal Project Manager to steer major rail and transit infrastructure programs from the earliest planning stages through to final handover. The role is centered on delivering complex projects that improve communities and contribute to long-term infrastructure outcomes.

As part of a global team of more than 50,000 professionals, you will help lead work that spans transport, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental projects. The position is based in Docklands, Victoria, Australia, with flexible hybrid working options that may include office, remote, or client-site arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the full lifecycle delivery of large rail and transit projects, including planning, design, procurement, construction, and handover.
• Control scope, timelines, budgets, and risks to achieve strong commercial and project results.
• Develop and sustain productive relationships with clients, government bodies, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead commercial and procurement approaches, including delivery models such as D&C, Alliance, and PPP.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams, encouraging high performance, coordination, and a strong safety focus.
• Make sure the project meets rail safety rules, regulatory obligations, governance standards, ONRSR expectations, and relevant Australian standards.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant brings deep experience delivering major infrastructure work, especially rail and transit programs, and is comfortable managing large, complex, high-value projects. Strong leadership, commercial awareness, and stakeholder management capability are essential.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field is required.
• At least 15 years of experience delivering major infrastructure projects is expected.
• Experience should include strong exposure to rail and transit programs.
• A proven history of managing complex, large-scale projects with multimillion- or billion-dollar budgets is important.
• Knowledge of the Australian rail sector, including delivery models and contract structures such as D&C, Alliance, and PPP, is needed.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or an equivalent credential is preferred.
• Demonstrated strengths in stakeholder engagement, leadership, and project/commercial controls are required.

Additional information

AECOM takes recruitment security seriously and has a process designed to prevent fraudulent hiring activity. As part of employment, newly hired staff must complete an in-person Day 1 onboarding session at an AECOM office.

The company recognizes and respects the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands across Australia and is committed to meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses as part of its reconciliation efforts.

AECOM describes itself as a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management, and construction management services across public and private sector projects. The organization emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, environmental responsibility, and broader ESG priorities.

The company also notes that it offers compensation and benefits programs designed to support employees and their families, along with a global well-being program.

Hybrid work flexibility is highlighted as part of the role, with the option to work from an office, remote location, or client site depending on business needs. AECOM also states that it is an equal opportunity employer and supports employee growth, success, and transformational work.