We're looking for an experienced Systems Engineer to join a small Defence capability team modernising communications for the Land domain. This 12 month contract sits early in the capability life cycle, before Gate 2. You'll help define what the future capability needs to be, not just deliver it.

You'll work at the senior end of a two-person engineering team and be a self-starter who sets the direction, owns the engineering outputs and brings a more junior engineer along with you. The role is based in Canberra, with Queensland also considered.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of capability definition documentation, including Operational Concept Documents, User Need Statements, Function and Performance Specifications and Test and Evaluation Master Plans

Plan and manage requirements setting and risk reduction activities

Derive system and operational requirements from emerging concepts of employment

Analyse threats and capability gaps against warfighting outcomes

Support acquisition activities including tendering, tender evaluation, risk management and cost estimation

Engage with stakeholders across Defence, including ADF, APS, the acquisition and science and technology communities, and industry

Contribute to program-level artefacts and reviews of Land domain concepts





Mentor and guide a junior systems engineer

About you

8+ years in systems engineering, with a relevant systems engineering qualification

Hands-on experience writing capability documentation under the Defence Capability Life Cycle (OCD, CONEMP, FPS, TEMP)

A good working knowledge of the One Defence Capability System

Proven experience engaging ADF, APS and contractor stakeholders

Comfortable working with limited direction in an agile team

Current NV1 clearance (minimum). This is essential.

Based in Canberra or Queensland

Highly regarded:

Capability Manager side experience on pre-Gate 2 projects

Land domain communications and networking experience, such as RF, SATCOM, MANET, 5G or tactical networks

Model-based systems engineering, enterprise architecture or open architectures

Test and evaluation, risk management or project management experience

ADF service, or exposure to military exercises, operations or coalition systems

12 month contract on a nationally significant Defence capability program

2x 12 month contract extensions to follow

Work that shapes a capability from the start, rather than maintaining it

A small, cooperative team with real ownership of the engineering outcomes

📌 Senior Systems Engineer (Canberra)
🏢 Tenacity CX
📍 Canberra