We are seeking experienced Engineers from a wide range of disciplines, at APS 6, Executive Level 1 and Executive Level 2, to contribute to a major naval defence capability program that will shape Australia’s security, workforce, industrial capability and supply chains for decades to come.
About the Role
This major naval defence capability program is a historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. This whole-of-nation effort brings together government, industry and international partners to deliver one of the most complex engineering programs in the nation’s history.
Engineers will work across technical governance, assurance, certification, design review and through-life support of advanced naval platforms and systems. Roles range from highly specialist to broad, depending on your discipline and experience, and you may have the opportunity to work across streams. Successful candidates may also have the opportunity to nominate for international placements with overseas partner organisations, with in-country training and support provided beforehand.
These positions attract a competitive remuneration package, including an additional premium for critical capability disciplines and generous superannuation.
About the Team
You’ll join engineering branches responsible for the technical governance, safety certification and objective quality evidence (OQE) that underpin the safe, effective and sovereign operation of Australia’s future naval capability. Teams combine civilian and military personnel from diverse disciplines, and the culture puts people, technical development, integrity and safety first.
Engineering Disciplines
We are interested in hearing from Engineers with experience in one or more of the following:
- Mechanical, structural and materials engineering (including FEA and structural/materials modelling)
- Electrical, electronic and mechatronic engineering
- Instrumentation and control
- Systems engineering and systems integration
- Power, propulsion and energy systems
- Safety case development, system safety and environmental protection
- Marine structures, naval architecture, weld design and shock/survivability
- Signature management (acoustic and non-acoustic), trials, measurement and analysis
- Modelling and simulation (structural, thermal-hydraulics, fluid-structure interaction)
- Field support, engineering investigations, and decommissioning and disposal
Depending on level and discipline, responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing, evaluating and recommending courses of action on designs, specifications and deviations to support approval and certification decisions
- Developing the methodologies, processes and OQE used to assure and certify engineering systems
- Contributing to safety cases, regulatory submissions, and plans, processes and procedures
- Working with national and international partners, industry, regulators and academia to apply engineering best practice
- Participating in international meetings and workshops, sometimes outside standard Australian working hours
- Preparing high-quality briefs, reports and presentations to inform senior decision-makers
- At EL1 and EL2, leading teams, planning and managing technical programs and resources, and mentoring developing engineers
You will demonstrate:
- A Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent) that satisfies the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer
- Strong technical competence in your discipline and a willingness to keep learning alongside leading experts in novel technologies
- Sound judgement and a systems-thinking approach to identifying and managing risk
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to a range of audiences
- The ability to build effective relationships across government, industry and international stakeholders
- For EL1 and EL2 roles, demonstrated leadership, supervision and mentoring experience
- Chartered Professional Engineer (Engineers Australia), Registered Professional Engineer (Professionals Australia), or membership of an equivalent institution such as RINA, IMechE, IMarEST or IEEE (or the ability to obtain it within 12 months)
- Experience in Defence, defence industry, maritime, energy or other highly regulated, safety-critical sectors
- Experience working with overseas partners or within multi-regulator environments
- Openness to an international placement of 2 to 3 years
Locations: Adelaide / Port Adelaide – SA, Canberra – ACT, Melbourne – VIC, Perth – WA, Sydney – NSW
Security Requirement
Applicants must be Australian citizens and able to obtain and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance. Some roles may require a higher clearance level.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Engineer looking to apply your expertise to a once-in-a-generation national program, we encourage you to apply today. Please submit your current resume. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for a short statement (up to 600 words) on how their skills, knowledge and experience fit their chosen discipline.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse individuals, people living with a disability, and the LGBTIQA+ community. You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at: https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.








