About the role Nova Systems is seeking a highly specialised Specialist Engineering Consultant (Communications Network Engineering) to support the Surveillance and Reconnaissance SPO (SRSPO) in the acquisition and sustainment of complex, network‑integrated Defence capabilities.

This is a max‑term consulting role from March 2026 to 31 January 2028. Due to the nature of the work, a TSPV security clearance is mandatory.

What you will be involved with

Mapping current and future SRSPO‑managed network‑integrated and network‑hosted systems, including information exchanges, interfaces and dependencies

Identifying and documenting dependencies on external capabilities, services and projects

Describing current capability delivery, integration and management approaches across acquisition and sustainment

Identifying management and governance gaps, including the roles of DDG MPI during acquisition and JCG during in‑pattern sustainment, and assessing how equivalent services could be provided for SRSPO‑managed networks

Developing and proposing a comprehensive management strategy to address identified gaps, including procedures for network connection approval, configuration control and change management

Supporting review and endorsement of the strategy by Commonwealth stakeholders

(Optional) Supporting delivery of the agreed strategy via an MSP model or preparing handover‑to‑operate documentation to the Commonwealth

(Optional) Supporting market engagement activities and procurement of below‑the‑line specialist contractors

What we would like from you

Extensive experience in communications network engineering within Defence acquisition and sustainment environments





Demonstrated experience with network‑integrated and network‑hosted mission systems, ideally across ISR platforms

Strong understanding of SIE/TSIE integration, network governance, configuration management and change control

Experience developing management strategies, frameworks or operating models for complex, multi‑stakeholder systems

The ability to analyse and document complex system dependencies and information flows

Confidence engaging with senior Defence stakeholders and providing authoritative technical advice

Experience supporting market engagement or procurement activities for specialist engineering services (highly regarded)

Life at Nova - it all adds up With people being our point of difference, we deliver on promises, reward good work, champion professional growth and support flexibility, all within a diverse and inclusive culture that recognises moments that matter.

Benefits

Flexibility : We promote a culture that encourages and enables flexible ways of working that support our people

Dress for Your Day : We empower our people to determine their outfit for the activities of the day which allows for personal expression that builds trust

Reward & Recognition Program : Offering exclusive discounts from hundreds of major retailers, helping you to save on groceries, petrol, holidays, and more

Employee Assistance Program : for employees and family members





Annual Nova employee engagement : Great way to connect more broadly and strengthen your internal networks and have some fun

Wellbeing Hub

with access to health and fitness content

Free Flu Vaccination

annually

An inclusive, collaborative, and supportive culture

Social activities throughout the year, we even dress up at times, think Safari - we don’t like to take ourselves too seriously

Veteran Nova Systems is a Veteran Employment Supporter of the Veteran Employment Program. We value the skills Veterans bring and encourage Veterans and Defence partners to apply. Nova supports our Veterans through reserve leave and top‑up pay entitlements. No need to tailor the use of Defence language in your resume, we prefer to see this however, please let us know if you need support with your application. We also ensure all applications receive a response and feedback when appropriate.

Equal Chance Employer Nova Systems is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels safe, valued, and included, where our people are our point of difference.

NOVA SYSTEMS Nova Systems is Australia's largest privately‑owned Defence company with global reach. We are leaders in capability assurance and systems integration solving complex challenges in innovative ways. We are relied on to develop and test capabilities critical to national security and safety. We are trusted to integrate mission systems solutions and develop software and products that protect lives every day. For 25 years, Nova has brought a different perspective. From national Defence and essential services to border control and cyber securit

📌 Specialist Communications Engineer (Port Augusta)
🏢 Nova Systems
📍 Port Augusta