The key duties of the position include:

The Role

Navy are seeking an experienced EL 2 Director to lead Navy's engineering policy, standards, education and governance functions within the Maintenance Requirements Branch. The role is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining engineering and materiel policy that supports Navy's Technical Governance System, regulatory obligations and maritime capability outcomes.

Working with a high degree of independence and accountability, the Director provides strategic leadership on engineering policy, governance, assurance and organisational priorities. The position delivers advice to senior leaders on engineering, materiel governance, technical regulation and performance, ensuring alignment with Defence objectives and legislative requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

- Leading policy development and reform,
- Supporting governance authorities, strengthening assurance frameworks,
- Improving processes and performance,
- Managing strategic risks,
- And driving continuous improvement.

The role also builds, sustains and influences relationships with senior stakeholders across Navy, Defence Groups and industry partners, leads consultation and engagement activities, and supports informed decision-making that enables safe, effective, sustainable capability.

About our Team

The Maintenance Requirements Branch is leading one of the most significant transformations in Navy engineering and sustainment in over a decade. Established to rebuild and operate Navy’s Technical Governance System, the Branch integrates governance, assurance, maintenance strategy, technical data, knowledge management, investigations, and technical mastery within one organisation.





The Directorate of Navy Engineering Policy, Standards and Education combines Navy and APS personnel in a skilled and diverse team. The Directorate provides specialist engineering policy advice and supports governance across the Naval enterprise. Its work demands accuracy, timeliness, strong documentation practices, and effective stakeholder engagement.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute during a period of reform and renewal. Successful candidates will help shape governance frameworks, influence new ways of working, develop innovative solutions, and support lasting improvements across Navy and Defence. We value professionalism, technical expertise, collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement to strengthen future capability and deliver strategic outcomes.

Our Ideal Candidate

We seek an experienced and influential leader with expertise in engineering policy, governance, technical regulation, materiel management, or strategic policy development. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in complex environments and address issues of operational and enterprise significance.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills and the ability to analyse and present complex information to senior decision-makers. They will have proven experience influencing stakeholders,



delivering strategic outcomes, and leading high-performing teams.

Candidates that possess strong expertise in legislative frameworks, policy development, implementation and organisational decision-making, supported by knowledge of engineering governance, materiel management, technical regulation, or government engineering functions will be highly regarded.

The role requires sound judgement, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities. A collaborative leadership style, commitment to continuous improvement, and focus on organisational excellence will be critical to success overall.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

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

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

📌 Director Navy Engineering Policy, Standards and Education (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra