The key duties of the position include:
The Role
In this role, you will collaborate closely with members of the Engineering & Technical Directorate and broader stakeholders to perform a range of duties including:
* Support the Offshore Patrol and Specialist Ships (OPSS) Branch Technical Director and Principal Engineer in providing leadership, direction and oversight over engineering functions
* Conduct technical risk assessments and provide technical engineering advice to members of the OPSS Enterprise
* Manage engineering delegations within the Authorised Engineering Organisation(s)
* Provide oversight, management, periodic review and promulgation of engineering plans, instructions and procedures
* Coordinate and manage the Authorised Engineering Organisation’s inputs to Defence Capability Milestones
* Conduct governance and assurance functions over engineering activities, including configuration management, technical data management and certification
* Support the Technical Director and Domain Leads in coordination of Engineering Review Boards, Configuration Control Boards and Technical and Safety Risk Review Boards
* Work collaboratively, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including those within the RAN, industry and other Commonwealth stakeholders
* During periods of absences, perform the role of Acting Principal Engineer or Technical Director
About our Team
The Offshore Patrol and Specialist Ships Branch contribute to continuous naval shipbuilding and support key enablers within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The Branch is currently managing the acquisition of the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Young Endeavour Replacement, Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats and a number of other complex minor vessel and littoral procurements.
Within the Branch, the Engineering & Technical Directorate provides specialist engineering, governance, and assurance services to support capability delivery. Operating within a matrixed organisation, the Directorate’s engineers and technical specialists work across multiple maritime platforms and acquisition projects, ensuring consistency in technical assurance and risk management. This structure enables the team to share expertise, apply best practices, and deliver integrated solutions across Navy’s capability portfolio.
Primarily Based on Canberra, the Branch has a diverse workforce of Australian Public Servants, ADF members and industry partners who work collaboratively to support continuous naval ship building through delivery of minor vessel programs and projects.
Our Ideal Candidate
You are a customer-oriented problem solver, focused on achieving outcomes. You can plan, prioritise and communicate effectively to ensure that team efforts are appropriately directed to meeting customers’ needs and keeping them informed.
The ideal candidate will have:
* Previous experience in engineering management activities
* An understanding of the One Defence Capability System.
* Experience in review and development of technical data, design and engineering activities within an applicable technical domain (aerospace, marine, mechanical, electrical or communications)
* Demonstrated capacity for identification of risk and developing solutions to mitigate or control risk
* Knowledge of governance and assurance functions required to meet the Seaworthiness outcome
* Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and develop plans and processes to enhance
* Highly developed communication skills, self-drive, and initiative with the ability to influence others to achieve tasks and business objectives
* Understanding of the Defence Industry sector in Australia
* Excellent people management skills and experience in leading
Eligibility
Security Clearance
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
Mandatory Qualifications
This engineering position requires a Bachelor of Engineering from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.
This engineering position may require the individual to be able to meet the requirements of Chartered Professional Engineer (Engineers Australia), Registered Professional Engineer (Professionals Australia) or Fellow/Member of Royal Institution of Naval Architects or demonstrated the ability to obtain such status within 12 months.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit