Canberra, ACT Based | Requires a current AGSVA NV1 Clearance

About Us

IAG Defence & National Security (DNS) is part of IAG, a specialist advisory firm supporting complex infrastructure, Defence and national security programs across Australia. Our DNS team works closely with Commonwealth agencies and industry partners to deliver specialist expertise into nationally significant programs. Our success depends on our ability to identify, engage and mobilise highly specialised talent quickly and effectively.

IAG is recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer under the Veteran Employment Program.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Design Lead to provide technical leadership and systems engineering management for a Defence communications and information systems capability program in Canberra. You'll support the program architect and technical team, assuring the technical coherence of capability design and integration and making sure the capability is interoperable, secure and fit for purpose.

This is a specialist role. You'll bring systems engineering expertise that the existing workforce can't readily absorb, and you'll lead senior technical stakeholder engagement across Defence, government agencies and international partners to inform and assure the design, development and acceptance of the capability. You'll help leadership maintain compliance with Defence engineering policies, technical standards, integration frameworks and regulatory requirements throughout the capability lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

- Understudy and support the program architect and technical team in assuring the technical coherence of capability design and integration, and compliance with architecture and engineering standards
- Conduct senior technical stakeholder engagement to support the design of tranches and sub-systems
- Prepare written briefs for senior governance committees
- Support business case development, and prepare and deliver briefings as required
- Participate in relevant working groups and provide specialist advice to working groups and stakeholders
- Oversee project activities, including capability development and risk reduction,



and contribute feedback and advice on maturity and suitability for Commonwealth acceptance
- Lead technical engagement across Defence, government agencies and international partners
- Contribute to program deliverables, including input to and review of the operational concept, test and evaluation management plan, program strategy, integrated capability directive and domain concept documents
- Provide technical leadership across project systems engineering and technical teams, aligning tranche, project and system design to business outcomes and the Defence workplace
- Engage with stakeholders to identify gaps, risks and issues, and manage obstacles that would impede delivery
- Collaborate with ADF, APS and Defence contractor personnel
- Support audits and other program governance activities
- Provide support, within discipline, to other functional areas in the program
- Self-manage hours to meet contractual obligations and advise the Project Manager of contractual risks

Required

- Current NV1 security clearance
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or a relevant field for communications and information systems design
- Demonstrated experience in Systems Engineering Management roles
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office, databases and information systems
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
- Demonstrated experience in Defence ICT programs or technical design roles highly regarded
- Project management experience or skills highly regarded
- Previous experience in delivery or digital group roles within Defence highly regarded
- Degree or studies associated with network security and data-centric security models highly regarded




- Experience with the Capability Lifecycle highly regarded
- Experience providing security input and guidance to Defence projects at various points of the Capability Lifecycle highly regarded
- Additional skills in project/program management, systems engineering, communications, business management or information technology highly regarded, particularly for translating user needs, participating in vendor-led discussions and developing schedule, cost and quality analysis for acquisition and sustainment investment decisions
- Understanding of staff processes within operational headquarters highly regarded
- Knowledge or experience working in the Defence Capability System governance framework, committee processes and documentation highly regarded

Engagement Details

- Location: Russell Offices, Canberra, ACT
- Hybrid option considered

What We Offer

With offices in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, we're a tight-knit team working across some of Australia's most critical Defence and national security programs. We value expertise, collaboration and flexibility, providing our people with opportunities to contribute to meaningful and technically challenging projects. We can offer great work, great people, great culture, great conditions, and an all-round great time whilst you continue building a rewarding career in the Defence and national security sector. As part of IAG, you'll be joining a team of more than 250 professionals.

Most opportunities advertised by IAG Defence & National Security are subject to client approval, security validation and contractual confirmation. Employment or engagement will only be offered following successful client acceptance and completion of all required pre-engagement checks and onboarding activities.

Please Note

As this role may support a Defence program, a Defence employment moratorium period may apply to current or recently separated ADF/APS personnel seeking to move into industry roles. If you are currently serving or have recently left Defence, we'd recommend confirming your eligibility to apply before submitting.

📌 Design Lead (Canberra)
🏢 IAG Defence and National Security
📍 Canberra