Technical Director, Ports, Marine & Coastal

Technical Director - Ports, Marine & Coastal

At Aurecon, we are optimistic about the future. We are thinkers, solvers, and collaborators who work with our clients to deliver the infrastructure and assets that strengthen communities and create a sustainable future.

What you’ll do

As a Technical Director in our Ports, Marine & Coastal team based in Perth, you’ll contribute to projects and programs that make a real difference and be part of a team that embraces challenges, welcomes diverse ideas, and engineer solutions with people and outcomes in mind.

• Set the technical direction for port simulation, optimisation and data-science services across port planning, terminal operations, marine logistics, asset management and Defence infrastructure.

• Lead simulation and decision-support studies covering vessel and berth operations, cargo and yard flows, landside interfaces, resource allocation, maintenance, capacity and operational resilience.

• Apply methods such as discrete-event simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, optimisation, forecasting, statistical modelling, machine learning and scenario analysis to solve complex port and terminal problems.

• Translate operational data and modelling results into practical recommendations for master planning, capital investment, asset utilisation, operating strategies, service levels and risk management.

• Establish robust model governance and work with port planners and multidisciplinary engineers to ensure models are accurate, validated, reproducible and representative of real-world assets, constraints and operating rules.

• Lead client engagements, proposals and cross-functional teams, while developing scalable digital solutions and building enduring port simulation and analytics capability within the Ports, Marine & Coastal business.

What you’ll bring

• A degree in computer science, data science, operations research, applied mathematics, engineering or a related quantitative discipline; a master’s degree or PhD is highly regarded.

• Substantial senior-level experience, typically 15+ years, leading data science, optimisation, simulation, quantitative modelling or complex software solutions.

• A proven record of developing and validating analytical systems for high-stakes operational environments, delivering measurable improvements in capacity, productivity, reliability, cost, risk or decision-making.

• Advanced capability in statistical modelling, Monte Carlo simulation, optimisation, forecasting and machine learning, supported by strong proficiency in Python or comparable technologies and experience delivering production-grade analytical solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to establish robust model governance, communicate assumptions and uncertainty clearly, and lead cross-functional teams involving technical specialists, operational stakeholders and clients.

• Strong consulting, client leadership and business development capability, with experience in ports, transport, logistics, industrial or other asset-intensive environments, together with excellent communication, commercial awareness and a commitment to ethical, practical innovation.

How we support your growth

We believe your career should be a rewarding adventure. You will tackle some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges, in an environment that supports your ambitions, where we hold ourselves, and each other, to the highest standards. Recognised by the AFR as a Best Place to Work in 2026, we embrace diverse perspectives, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact.

Who we are

We are an engineering consultancy with more than 6,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We believe the world needs people who can engineer possibilities; people who can create infrastructure that makes life better for people and the planet. That is why we are here – to bring ideas to life, the Aurecon way.

Ready for your next adventure?

If this sounds like your next step, we’d love to hear from you. We value diverse experiences and welcome applications for part-time or flexible working arrangements. For recruitment adjustments, contact

[email protected]. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not AI. We’re most interested in your individual thinking and experiences—so please ensure your application reflects your authentic perspective.