Join Empirical Solutions – Lead Engineering Delivery for Maritime Capability
Empirical Solutions is seeking highly experienced Engineering Managers (Level 4 – Expert) to lead engineering delivery across complex maritime acquisition and build activities within Defence environments.
We are seeking up to two senior Engineering Managers with deep expertise in maritime systems engineering and integrated logistics support (ILS). A single highly qualified candidate may also be considered for one of the roles.
These roles are on-site in Canberra (ACT) and are initially offered through June 2026, with a strong likelihood of extension subject to approval.
About the Role
As an Engineering Manager, you will provide senior leadership across engineering and ILS functions, ensuring technical outcomes, assurance, and compliance are achieved throughout design, build, test, and certification phases.
You will operate under delegated engineering authority, manage multidisciplinary teams, and act as a key interface between engineering, project management, shipbuilding, and assurance stakeholders. The role requires strong judgement, technical depth, and the ability to lead in high-consequence environments.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
Exercising delegated engineering authority on behalf of senior engineering leadership
Leading and managing engineering and ILS teams, including coordination of specialist stakeholders
Delivering engineering outcomes in support of complex maritime acquisition activities
Ensuring technical outcomes of design and build contracts are achieved
Developing and maintaining engineering strategies, plans, schedules, and estimates
Establishing and maintaining engineering documentation and records for governance and audit purposes
Conducting engineering briefings, workshops, and formal system reviews
Supporting certification, assurance, and acceptance activities
Supporting development of build quality requirements in collaboration with construction and assurance teams
Ensuring services are delivered in accordance with Australian and International Standards, Defence regulations, and recognised industry best practice
Essential Experience & Qualifications
Degree in Engineering (or equivalent qualification recognised under the Washington Accord)
Extensive experience at a senior practitioner / expert level in maritime systems engineering
Demonstrated experience leading engineering delivery in Defence, government, or complex shipbuilding environments
Proven capability managing multidisciplinary engineering and logistics teams
Experience exercising engineering delegations and supporting certification and assurance activities
Strong understanding of engineering governance, configuration management, and quality frameworks
Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills
Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-tempo acquisition environments
Desirable Experience
Experience in maritime vessel design, construction, or sustainment
Familiarity with amphibious, littoral, or specialist craft environments
Experience working closely with shipyards, construction authorities, or regulators
Understanding of Defence engineering and sustainment governance frameworks
Location & Engagement
Canberra, ACT (on-site)
Why Empirical Solutions?
Empirical Solutions is a veteran-owned Australian company delivering engineering, logistics, and project management excellence across Defence and national security. We are trusted to lead complex, high-consequence work where experience, judgement, and integrity matter.
We offer:
Defence reservist support
Generous Professional Development allowance
Health and Wellbeing allowance
Paid parental and partner leave
Professional membership reimbursement
Leadership mentoring and career development pathways
Opportunities to work on nationally significant maritime capability
If you're a senior maritime engineering leader ready to deliver high-impact outcomes in Defence environments, we'd love to hear from you.