You've spent years mastering hydraulic and fire engineering. You can run complex projects in your sleep. But you're ready for something more — a role where you shape the direction of a discipline, influence design outcomes at the table with clients, and build the next generation of engineers behind you.
That's what this role is.
This role can be based at either of our Sydney or Brisbane locations.
What You'll Own
As our Hydraulic/Fire Lead you'll drive the technical direction and growth of hydraulic and fire services across Northrop's Integrated Buildings division. This isn't a role where someone hands you a brief and asks you to execute. You'll be at the design table from day one — shaping solutions across major projects including health, education, commercial, seniors living and government projects with Tier 1 and Tier 2 clients.
* Lead and deliver technically complex hydraulic and fire projects from concept through to construction, with genuine autonomy over how you get there.
* Influence design outcomes in multidisciplinary teams — working alongside electrical, mechanical, and lighting engineers who think the same way you do about integrated design.
* Strengthen and grow key client relationships. If you thrive on winning work and building trust with clients over time, this role will give you the platform to do it.
* Mentor the next generation. You'll have a team of talented engineers around you — your job is to help them become the best consultants they can be.
* Build your personal brand and help grow ours. We want people who are known in the industry for the quality of their thinking.
The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here
Our strongest people share a particular combination of traits. If you recognise yourself in this, we should talk.
You're grounded.
You stay calm under pressure, and your decisions are guided by a clear internal compass. When things get difficult on a project — and they always do — you're the person who holds steady. Not because you don't feel the pressure, but because your composure is genuine.
You speak up.
You'll bring an alternative perspective to the design table, even when it's uncomfortable. You do it constructively and without ego — you'd rather give credit to the team than take it yourself — but you won't stay quiet when something doesn't sit right.
You build relationships that last.
Not transactional networking. Real, sustained professional relationships — the kind where clients call you first because they trust your judgement, and where colleagues across disciplines genuinely enjoy working with you. Humour helps. So does actually caring about people.
You set your own standard.
Your quality comes from professional pride, not from someone checking your work. You're always looking for the next improvement and you're never quite satisfied — in the best possible way. The more complex the problem, the more engaged you become.
You need autonomy, not bureaucracy.
You do your best work when you're trusted to find the right approach, not handed a rigid process to follow. That's exactly how we operate.
Essential
What You Bring
* Significant experience as a hydraulic or fire engineering consultant in the Australian market
* Tertiary qualification in Engineering or Diploma of Hydraulic Services.
* A track record of leading projects and teams, not just delivering them
* The ability to win clients' trust and keep it
Ideal (but not a dealbreaker)
* FPAS and/or DBP certification (or working towards it)
* Knowledge of specialist fire systems, both wet and dry
What's In It For You
* Industry-benchmarked salary with annual reviews — we pay properly and revisit it every year, not when you threaten to leave
* Genuine flexibility: hybrid working, flexible hours, alternative public holidays — we'll have a real conversation about what works for you
* Paid parental leave for primary carers, maternity, and partners
* Salary income protection insurance
* Monthly one‐on‐one career development conversations, mentoring programs, and investment in both internal and external training
* Free EAP and wellbeing support — because we'd rather you stayed healthy than burned out
Northrop is an equal opportunity employer. We actively welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to participate in our recruitment process, let us know — we'll make it work.
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