The Role

Maritime Sustainment Division is seeking two EL 2.1 Program Directors to lead newly established Engineering Management Units (EMUs) within the Specialist Systems and Major Surface Ships branches. The EMUs provide high-quality engineering, technical assurance and program management services across the Asset Class Enterprise, supporting System Program Offices and Regional Maintenance Centres in the sustainment of critical Defence capability.

The Program Director will lead and manage a geographically dispersed organisation responsible for delivering technical functions including systems engineering, configuration management, engineering change management, technical investigations, materiel system safety, logistics support analysis, maintenance engineering, and associated program management and governance. You will lead the development of strategy, data-driven insights and performance analytics to improve engineering delivery, inform decision-making, and enhance customer outcomes.

The role involves leading and managing Tier 1 industry engagements through Designer Support Contracts, overseeing engineering contract delivery and providing specialist advice on contract performance. You will work closely with Australian engineering institutions and industry partners to strengthen sovereign engineering capability and contribute to the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment agenda.

The Program Director requires strategic professional and technical expertise across multiple functional areas, supported by strong knowledge of legislative frameworks, government decision-making processes and Defence policy requirements.

To succeed, you will be a strategic and influential leader with demonstrated experience managing complex engineering organisations and stakeholder environments. You will possess exceptional communication and leadership skills, a strong understanding of government decision-making processes and legislative frameworks, and an appreciation of Defence's mission and policy requirements. The ability to build enduring relationships,



identify shared objectives, and deliver mutually beneficial outcomes across Defence and industry is essential.

This position is classified as having a work value commensurate with EL2.1 and the salary range of $173,360 - $206,309. Salary above the standard EL 2 range ($144,430 - $173,359), with a work value at EL2.1 or EL2.2 are reviewed annually and salary may increase or decrease in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Enterprise Agreement.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant provisions of the Defence Enterprise Agreement if considering applying for this position. Should an annual review determine that work is no longer available at the higher work value, the employee’s classification and salary may be decreased to the lower level work value and salary within the EL 2 classification range.

About our Team

Maritime Sustainment Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) delivering in-service support to Navy, Army and Australian Border Force, along with delivering new capability to Government. MSD is embarking on transformational change to establish the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to strategic priorities and emerging demands.

New Engineering Management Units (EMUs) have been established in both Specialist Systems and Major Surface Ships Branches in MSD. Specialist Systems EMU is focused on supporting the patrol boat force and auxiliary vessels, underwater systems and equipment, predominately located in Sydney, Darwin, Cairns and Henderson Defence Precinct.



Major Surface Ships EMU is focused on surface combatants and amphibious and combat support vessels, located in Sydney and Henderson.

The Engineering Management Unit (EMU) is a key element of the Asset Class Enterprise, delivering engineering expertise, assurance and advice to System Program Offices and Defence customers. Operating through a matrix structure, the EMU provides engineering and project management services across geographically dispersed teams to support sustainment outcomes.

We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a fast-paced, complex environment. We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. We are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways.

We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities, mentoring and coaching services.

Our Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

- Experience leading multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
- Experience delivering complex engineering, sustainment or asset management outcomes.
- Robust commercial acumen and experience managing industry partnerships.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Experience developing strategy and managing performance, risk and resources.
- Ability to operate effectively in complex and changing environments.
- Knowledge of Defence, maritime sustainment or government operating environments.
- Previous senior leadership experience is highly desirable.

Note: Address your application responding to the above competences. If you have these and a strong personal drive to develop and contribute to Australia’s maritime capability, we look forward to hearing from you.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2.

📌 Engineering Management Unit Program Director (Australia)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Australia