As a Technical Manager, you will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex specialist engineering work within an integrated workforce. You will require an in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision‑making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements. The role will require complex problem solving, risk and issues management and may include detailed or sensitive projects, which impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for Defence.

The main responsibilities for the Technical Manager, role are:

- Responsible for managing teams, allocated resources, setting work area priorities, managing workflows, developing strategies and evaluating business outcomes.
- Plan, manage and deliver critical and complex to very complex engineering and project activities and provide advice in all relevant engineering disciplines and management systems under broad direction.
- Set work that aligns with the strategic objectives and communicate expected outcomes.
- Lead and manage the successful delivery of complex projects within scope, time and budget.
- Effectively manage all stakeholders both internal and external
- Develop productive and effective relationships with suppliers and other government agencies.
- Evaluate engineering activities to understand critical factors for success and engage in continuous improvement and innovation to ensure that delivered materiel meets requirements.

About our Team

Space Systems Branch acquires and sustains SATCOM systems, and is a trusted advisor of SATCOM systems for the Australian Defence Organisation. The team comprises professionals from various disciplines including project management,



engineering, commercial, and logistics. This multi‑disciplinary team is composed of highly skilled and motivated Australian Public Service, Australian Defence Force and contracted personnel. The team works from Brindabella Park offices in Canberra and maintains close collaboration with other parts of Defence and other Government Agencies.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a capable, collaborative and outcomes‑focused technical manager who can operate with independence, sound judgement and accountability in a complex Defence environment. They will bring strong technical/engineering management, stakeholder engagement and people leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver practical outcomes.

Key attributes and experience we are looking for:

- The capacity to think strategically and develop engineering plans and solutions to enhance the achievement of engineering and fleet outcomes.
- A highly engaged leader who is an innovative and adaptive thinker, and will take accountability while taking a risk based and flexible approach to delivering outcomes.
- A highly effective communicator, who is collaborative, agile and can effectively manage a highly integrated workforce.




- A confident leader who understands the audience and adjust their communication to provide advice in a clear and concise manner.
- High‑level organisational skills, self‑drive and initiative with the ability to influence others to achieve tasks and business objectives.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Mandatory Qualifications

This technical position requires the individual to have obtained Engineers Australia Stage 1 competency standard for Engineering Associate recognition (or ability to obtain status as an Engineering Associate within three months) or relevant skills and work experience such that an individual can reasonably achieve a recognised AQF qualification if required by the position.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The 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 adaptable and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers

📌 Technical Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra