The key duties of the position include:The Role
The Electromagnetic Warfare and Intelligence Systems Land System Program Office (EWIS-L SPO) is seeking to fill the EL 1 Chief Engineer position within EWIS-L SPO.
The Chief Engineer is the Senior Accountable Engineer within the SPO and exercises a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the development, ownership and update of the SPO Engineering Management System (EMS) and all subordinate policy and procedures.
The Chief Engineer is a senior technical position within the SPO and requires demonstrated leadership and mentoring in order to ensure that the systems, process and people within the EMS are not only fit-for-purpose, but are sufficiently mature and agile to pursue highly technical work in a fast-paced setting.
The Chief Engineer will:
Maintain and own the SPO EMS and its implementation;
Lead, plan and deliver critical and very complex engineering activities and provide advice in all relevant engineering disciplines and management systems under broad direction;
Ensure continuing professional development of engineering and technical (E&T;) staff;
Liaise with SPO executive to describe E&T; processes, risks and opportunities;
Communicate E&T; facets with non-technical personnel;
Evaluate technical and design packages including scoping, planning, and reviewing and implement actions.
Provide leadership and mentoring to E&T; staff from graduates through to EL1 Engineering Managers;
Establish and maintain internal and external stakeholder engagement;
Lead and ensure safety aspects of Defence materiel systems are considered and incorporated into engineering activities;
Represent EWIS-L SPO at key working groups and forums;
Establish and maintain internal and external stakeholder engagement;
Liaise closely with governance staff, including the Principal Engineer, to assure the EMS and other policies are implemented and continually improved.
Comply with legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks.
This role is based in Russell, ACT and will involve stakeholder engagement locally and in other SPO locations in Sydney, Melbourne, south east Queensland and Adelaide.




This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP).
This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability.
For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
Electromagnetic Warfare and Intelligence Systems Branch in Joint Systems Division is an exciting and complex environment, offering a rewarding career in one of the most dynamic organisations within CASG.
We deliver, integrate and sustain intelligence and electromagnetic warfare capabilities into a wide range of air, land and maritime platforms and systems.
We have a high performing culture and are faced with complex challenges in our role to defend Australia and its national interests.
EWIS- L SPO is comprised of members from various geographic locations and disciplinary backgrounds with diverse skills working together to deliver and support capabilities to the ADF and external Government Agencies.
This includes Force Protection Electronic Countermeasures, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robots, Deliberate Route Clearance as well as Tactical EW Systems.
Our Ideal Candidate
Key attributes and experience we are looking for:
Demonstrated experience managing teams in a complex environment, ideally with insight into Electronic Warfare and Counter Explosive Hazards systems and Engineering and Project management frameworks.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to negotiate and build relationships with stakeholders.
High-level organisational skills,



self-drive and initiative with the ability to influence others to achieve tasks and business objectives.
A thorough understanding of engineering disciplines, preferably RF, communications or software systems.
Substantial track record of successful management of engineering projects using appropriate engineering and project management techniques, preferably EW, RF, systems or software engineering.
Demonstrated focus on timely resolution of issues.
Sound commercial and business acumen and a demonstrated understanding of the Defence Industry sector in Australia.
EligibilitySecurity Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 2".
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 DefenceThe 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

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