About Core Defence Australia

Core Defence Australia (CDA) is an Australian-owned Defence professional services company supporting the delivery of Defence capability across acquisition, integration, sustainment and specialist engineering services.

We work alongside Defence organisations and industry partners, providing experienced professionals who contribute to complex capability programs.

We are seeking experienced Defence Systems Engineers to support Australian Defence capability programs in Canberra or Melbourne.

About the Role

We are seeking Systems Engineers with demonstrated experience delivering engineering outcomes within Australian Defence Force capability acquisition and/or sustainment environments.

Successful candidates will contribute to complex Defence programs, supporting engineering activities across the capability lifecycle, including requirements development, system design, integration, verification, validation and sustainment.

We have opportunities available across multiple experience levels, with both permanent employment and contract arrangements available depending on the position and individual circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on the position and level of experience, responsibilities may include:

- Develop, review and manage system requirements, specifications and technical documentation.
- Support systems architecture, design development and engineering analysis.
- Undertake requirements traceability, interface management and configuration management.
- Contribute to systems integration, verification, validation and acceptance activities.
- Support technical risk identification, assessment and mitigation.
- Develop and maintain engineering management plans, technical reports and supporting documentation.
- Collaborate with Defence stakeholders, project teams,



contractors and industry partners.
- Apply systems engineering principles and processes throughout the Defence capability lifecycle.
- Provide technical advice and engineering support to Defence capability acquisition and sustainment activities.

Mandatory Requirements Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

- Australian citizenship.
- Current Australian Government security clearance at NV1, NV2 or PV level.
- Proven experience supporting Australian Defence Force capability acquisition and/or sustainment programs.
- Demonstrated systems engineering experience within the Australian Defence environment.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering methodologies, technical documentation and engineering lifecycle processes.
- Ability to work in Canberra or Melbourne.

Only Australian citizens currently based in Australia who meet the mandatory Defence experience and security clearance requirements will be considered. Overseas applications will not be accepted.

Highly Desirable

- Chartered Qualified Engineer (CPEng) accreditation through Engineers Australia.
- Experience working within Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) programs or project offices.
- Knowledge of Defence engineering frameworks,



technical governance and assurance requirements.
- Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience.
- Experience using engineering and requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS.
- Systems integration, test and evaluation experience.
- Experience in technical risk management, configuration management and engineering assurance.
- Experience working with Defence industry partners, original equipment manufacturers and Commonwealth stakeholders.

Why Join Core Defence Australia?

At CDA, we recognise the importance of experienced engineering professionals in delivering meaningful Defence capability outcomes.

As the 2026 Small Employer of the Year at the Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards, CDA has been recognised for its commitment to veteran employment and supporting Australian Defence Force Reservists.

We offer the opportunity to contribute to complex Defence programs while being part of an Australian-owned business that values technical expertise, professional development, strong industry relationships and the people behind the capability.

We welcome applications from experienced Defence industry professionals and Australian Defence Force veterans who meet the position requirements.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Defence Systems Engineer with a current NV1 clearance or higher and proven Australian Defence acquisition or sustainment experience, we encourage you to apply.

Location: Canberra, ACT or Melbourne, VIC

Submit your application and CV directly through LinkedIn or contact our recruitment team at [email protected].

- Please ensure your application clearly outlines your Defence acquisition or sustainment experience and current security clearance level.

📌 Defence Systems Engineers (Canberra)
🏢 Core Defence Australia
📍 Canberra