The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The Guided Weapons Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Air Branch is seeking a motivated APS 6 Engineer Professional Explosive Ordnance to play a critical role in supporting Australia’s Defence capability.

As an APS 6 Engineer Professional within the Explosive Ordnance sub function, you will lead the delivery of complex engineering work across the Defence materiel capability lifecycle. You will engage with key stakeholders, investigate and develop explosive ordnance engineering concepts, and deliver technical solutions that support safe, effective, and compliant capability outcomes.

Working under limited direction, you will exercise autonomy, initiative, and sound judgement to interpret policy and apply engineering practices. You will provide expert technical advice, contribute to strategic planning, and support program and project delivery within an integrated workforce.

In this role, you will:

- Lead and manage a team, setting priorities, allocating resources, and driving delivery of work outcomes.
- Perform complex explosive ordnance engineering activities and provide technical advice under limited direction.
- Investigate, analyse, and report on explosive ordnance engineering defects, risks, and requirements.
- Develop and implement recommendations to address engineering issues and improve capability outcomes.
- Ensure delivered materiel complies with legislative, policy, safety, and regulatory frameworks.
- Monitor and incorporate safety considerations into all engineering activities.
- Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and program management activities.
- Build team capability through coaching, mentoring, and quality assurance of work outputs.
- Manage stakeholder relationships and respond to complex and sensitive issues effectively.

This position is based in Canberra, ACT, and Penrith,



NSW successful candidates who are not currently located in Canberra or Penrith will be required to relocate.

About our Team

The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Systems Division plays a key role in delivering critical capability for Defence. The Division works to ensure that Australia has access to modern, reliable, and effective guided weapons and explosive ordnance, while strengthening sovereign capability and supporting national security objectives. This is achieved through close collaboration with industry, international partners, and stakeholders across Defence, helping to support the full lifecycle of capability, from initial concept through to delivery and sustainment.

Within this, GWEO Air Branch focuses on supporting Air Force capability, working as part of an integrated team to deliver outcomes that enable Defence operations. The Branch works closely with stakeholders to manage complex challenges, support decision making, and ensure capability remains effective, safe, and fit for purpose.

Together, GWEO Systems Division and GWEO Air Branch contribute to a coordinated, forward looking approach that strengthens Defence capability, supports operational readiness, and helps ensure Australia is well positioned to respond to future challenges.

Our Ideal Candidate

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

- Strong knowledge and experience in explosive ordnance engineering (or closely related discipline).
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering policies, standards,



and regulatory frameworks.
- Proven leadership capability, including team management, mentoring, and resource allocation.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex technical problems.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholders.
- Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders on complex issues.
- Sound judgement and initiative in decision making and priority setting.
- Commitment to continuous learning and career development.

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.

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

📌 Engineer Professional (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra