The Role

Join the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit (JPEU) as a Test Engineer and play a key role in supporting the safe, effective, and technically superior testing and evaluation of weapon systems, equipment, and facilities. Working under general qualified guidance, you will provide expert engineering advice, undertake complex engineering tasks, and support Technical Officers and other technical staff.

You will develop and manage configuration systems for weapon systems and test equipment, review and enhance engineering designs, and contribute to test and evaluation activities that support Defence capability outcomes.

Key responsibilities include reviewing technical documentation, investigating engineering issues, developing and improving test procedures, assessing test results, and providing design and engineering recommendations within approved delegations. You will also advise on engineering policy, safety standards, facilities, technical drawings, and explosive hazard classifications.

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.

Upon engagement the preferred candidate can commence on a baseline clearance and will be required to hold and maintain an NV1 clearance thereafter.

About our Team

JPEU is an integral part of Explosive Ordnance Branch,



Joint Logistics Command and is tasked to provide dynamic, static and environmental test and evaluation services to the Australian Defence Organisation. JPEU consists of a Headquarters which is spread across VIC, SA and ACT, as well as two ranges at Pⅇ Graytown VIC, and Pⅇ Port Wakefield SA. Employment at Port Wakefield includes a Special Defence Locality allowance, $309.85 respectively per fortnight.

Our Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a qualified and highly motivated engineer with experience in test and evaluation, systems engineering, or complex technical environments. They possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review engineering designs, interpret technical drawings, assess test results, and develop practical solutions.

A sound understanding of configuration management, safety standards, engineering governance, and risk management is essential. The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent communication skills, enabling them to provide clear technical advice to stakeholders, customers, and team members. They are detail-oriented, safety-focused, adaptable, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

The right person for this role will show the flexibility to respond to the changing context and shifting priorities of JPEU, to achieve business outcomes. In this role, the individual will provide support to a geographically dispersed team.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference JCG/05133/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=F390350C-0ABC-B3B3-0B67-ED4A3EFFC405

📌 Test Engineer (Port Wakefield)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Port Wakefield