Engineering Support Lead

The Role

Reporting to the Engineering Services Manager, the Engineering Support Lead works within the SILSPO MC-55A Peregrine Sustainment Management Unit (SMU) and is accountable for leading and coordinating a broad range of engineering support activities within an integrated workforce environment including but not limited to:

• Provide engineering technical leadership and mentoring to MC-55 staff.
• Acting as the engineering interface between the SMU and Industry engineering organisations.
• Managing incoming and outgoing engineering data, ensuring appropriate stakeholder communication and actioning.
• Refine and evolve the MC-55 Engineering Management System and supporting processes.
• Conducting engineering data analysis and supporting requirements reviews, defect investigations, metrics reporting and technical assessments to support airworthiness and regulatory outcome, aircraft systems technical integrity and safety.
• Preparing engineering reports, tracking actions, and providing engineering status updates.
• Contributing to the planning and coordination of engineering support activities, maintenance requirements and technical reviews to support the ongoing sustainment of a multi-role platform with advanced Communications, Networking and Reconnaissance capability.

Workplace flexibility can be negotiated subject to meeting operational needs of the role including regular access to Defence Sites. Applicants may be able to commence on a “Negative Vetting Level 1” Clearance, however ongoing employment will be subject to attaining a Positive Vetting Clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake work on and be provided with technical information pertaining to Defence articles of United States of America (US) origin. In accordance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), any applicant who holds, or has previously held, citizenship or permanent residency of a country other than Australia will be required to declare and indicate the country or countries of citizenship or permanent residency. Restrictions on access to Defence articles and associated technical data subject to the ITAR by dual national employees may apply.

About our Team

SILSPO is the acquisition and sustainment agency for leading-edge Surveillance, Intelligence, and Aeronautical Life Support capabilities. It acquires, integrates, transitions, and supports these capabilities in service to provide the joint force with a decisive warfighting advantage. SILSPO is responsible for the MC-55A Peregrine and Aeronautical Life Support Equipment (ALSE), including aerial systems, ground control segments, simulator and training systems, associated infrastructure, and ongoing support arrangements.

The organisation brings together all elements of the Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC) to ensure a seamless transition to service and the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Final Operational Capability (FOC) on time and within budget. SILSPO operates as an integrated workplace comprising ADF, APS, and contracted personnel.

Our Ideal Candidate

You will be managing a small team of Commonwealth and contractor staff. To be successful in this role, you will be a motivated and capable engineering professional with strong stakeholder engagement, communication and reporting skills. You will have the ability to build effective working relationships across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including Defence and industry partners.

You will be an analytical thinker with sound judgement, capable of assessing technical information, identifying risks and developing practical solutions to complex engineering challenges. A proactive and self-driven approach is essential, as is the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

You will demonstrate strong attention to detail, a commitment to quality and the ability to produce clear, accurate and timely engineering documentation. We are seeking a collaborative team player who is adaptable, resilient and able to thrive in a dynamic Defence sustainment environment while contributing positively to team objectives and organisational outcomes. 

Security Clearance:

Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process. As a Positive Vetting clearance is required, applicants must be Australian Citizens; be able to account for their personal background for their whole life; and be able to demonstrate suitability to work in a high security intelligence environment.

Mandatory Qualifications:

A role in this engineering occupation 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.

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 https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers