We are excited to partner with Transport for NSW in their search for an Assistant Designer (Projects | Engineering & Design) from our community of autistic candidates.
About Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is the lead agency of the NSW Transport cluster. At Transport, we’re passionate about making NSW a better place to live, work and visit.
Our vision is of a connected roads and public transport network that has higher capacity and gives people the freedom to choose how and when they get around, no matter where they live and work.
Right now, we’re delivering the largest infrastructure program that Australia has ever seen – to keep people and goods moving, connect communities and shape the future of our cities, centres and regions.
At Transport, we’re also committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects the community and the customers we serve. Visit us at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
About Sydney Metro
Sydney Metro is leading Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure program, developing and delivering a new world-class metro railway system for Sydney.
As a new NSW Government statutory authority, Sydney Metro has been tasked with developing and delivering metro railways, and managing their operations. Sydney Metro also leads the development of vibrant station precincts to meet customer and community needs, transforming the way Sydney travels and helping shape the future of Australia’s largest city.
Role title
Assistant Designer (Grade 5)
Tenure
Full-time, temporary contract role until 31st of December 2023 with the option of flexible working hours.
Location of role
This role is based at 680 George Street Sydney, NSW. Sydney Metro works in a hybrid working environment with the flexibility to work from home and in the office. There will be a requirement to sometimes work from other project locations as needed.
Objective
The primary purpose of the role is to undertake detailed design management activities, design review and research under supervision, for a project within clearly defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints.
What you will do
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Model good behaviour as part of a high-performance team to drive change.
- As part of a team, engage with projects and programs throughout the lifecycle providing advice and guidance regarding the implementation of Systems Engineering Frameworks.
- Advise and support projects in demonstrating compliance with relevant processes, engineering standards, technical requirements and user requirements.
- Review the System Engineering processes and deliverables provided by Authorised Engineering Organisations to ensure compliance with relevant standards and industry practices and conform to current systems engineering and safety requirements.
- Act as an internal consultant in relation to the systems engineering processes and develop effective working relationships with internal and external project stakeholders to facilitate engagement and contribution to projects.
- Support the preparation and development of System Engineering Management Plans, Operational Concept Definitions, Maintenance Concept Definition and Business Requirements.
- Support the response to information requests from clients, contractors and divisional personnel in relation to Systems Engineering aspects of the project.


- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a diagnosis of autism (including autism spectrum disorder; Asperger’s Syndrome; Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS).
- Unrestricted working rights.
- All staff are required to undertake police checks.
- There is a requirement to be fully vaccinated or hold a medical exemption.
- Must live within a daily commutable distance to the location of the role.
These things are important to have:
- Tertiary qualification in engineering, science, maths or technology, or similar experience. Engineering is preferred, but not essential.
- Ability to work in a structured framework.
- Ability to recognise where a tailored approach is required.
- Understanding of how to think at a business/conceptual level, as well as at a technical level.
- Ability to produce high quality written communications.
- Understanding and application of effective planning, coordination and control methods.
- Ability to collaborate with others and value their contribution.
- Ability to achieve results through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes.
- Intermediate coding experience is acceptable if have full engineering experience.
These things are not essential, but if you have them that’s great:
- Ability to deal with conflict and receive feedback.
- Comfortable dealing with uncertainties.


Specialisterne Australia exists because autistic candidates are being overlooked for employment, largely due to the many barriers that autistic candidates come up against when competing for employment in typical recruitment practices.
- better understand the requirements of the roles they are competing for to assess if they are the right opportunities for them
- meet team members and managers throughout the process
- connect with others who have previously gained employment via this program
- demonstrate through practical assessments and activities their motivation and suitability for the available roles over a patient process
- ‘show’ what they can do (not just tell someone what you can do)
To support you further throughout your journey, we provide a mentor and buddy, and we work with you to tailor an individual plan to accommodate your needs in the workplace, also providing a period of support for both you and your future employer, ensuring a successful transition into your new role.
Please Note: All applications must go through Specialisterne Australia. Our partner employers do not handle applications directly for these opportunities.

- Evidence of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Evidence could be a Diagnostic Assessment or a letter from a treating medical practitioner.
- Proof of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residence Visa*. Accepted documents are one of the following:
- Australian Birth Certificate
- Current Australian Passport
- Certificate of Australian Citizenship
- Permanent Residency Visa in Australia (excluding bridging visas)
* please check individual role for any Citizenship or other work rights required
Upload your documents using the form provided on this page below. A member of our team will check your eligibility and you will then be sent a link to complete an online registration form with Specialisterne Australia. After you have completed your registration form, you will be sent a link to the candidate portal to upload supporting documents and apply for our jobs.
EXISTING CANDIDATES
If you have already registered as an eligible candidate with Specialisterne Australia using the form below and have an account, you can login to your account in the candidate portal to apply for the jobs or opportunities you are most interested in. A link to the candidate portal is contained in the form provided on this page below.
Please Note: All applications must go through Specialisterne Australia. Our partner employers do not handle applications directly for these opportunities.