Support Equipment Manager
Job Location: Williamtown, NSW (Newcastle Region)
Flexible Work Arrangement: We are offering a 9-day fortnight
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Role Description:
We are seeking an experienced Support Equipment (SE) Manager to lead the lifecycle management, technical governance and operational readiness of a large and diverse portfolio of aircraft ground Support Equipment and Plant that is critical to the Lead-In Fighter Program.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the availability, compliance and technical integrity of equipment critical to aircraft maintenance, sustainment and flying operations across RAAF Williamtown and RAAF Pearce.
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, you will lead multidisciplinary teams and specialist workshops while working closely with maintenance, engineering, supply chain and operational stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable and customer-focused support services.
This role will suit a leader who combines strategic asset management capability with strong stakeholder engagement skills and experience operating within complex, highly regulated environments.
Core Duties:
- Developing and executing lifecycle strategies for Lead-In Fighter Support Equipment and Plant including acquisition, sustainment, replacement and disposal planning.
- Ensuring support equipment availability and readiness to maintain fleet sustainment and flying operations.
- Leading multidisciplinary maintenance, technical and workshop teams across multiple locations.
- Managing asset management systems, configuration control, technical governance and engineering assurance processes.
- Driving equipment reliability, operational performance value for money and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developing capability roadmaps aligned to current and future operational requirements for the Support Equipment and Plant.
- Leading obsolescence management, asset rationalisation and cost optimisation activities.
- Building strong relationships with both internal and external customers, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure support services meet operational needs.
- Managing technical, operational and safety risks while maintaining compliance with Defence, Airworthiness, safety and company requirements.
About You:
We’re interested in leaders who can demonstrate experience in one or more of the following environments:
- Defence or Aerospace
- Aviation Support or Ground Support Equipment
- Rail
- Mining
- Maritime
- Utilities
- Heavy Manufacturing
- Fleet, Plant or Asset-Intensive Operations
You will ideally bring:
- Experience leading the lifecycle management of complex assets, equipment fleets or technical systems.
- Experience leading technical, engineering, maintenance or workshop-based teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and customer service capability, with a proven ability to support operational customers.
- Experience operating within highly regulated environments with strong safety and compliance obligations.
- Knowledge of asset management, reliability, technical governance, configuration management or engineering assurance practices.
- Experience leading continuous improvement, operational performance or business optimisation initiatives.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to balance service delivery, risk, cost and operational outcomes.
- Relevant engineering, technical or asset management qualifications, or equivalent industry experience.
- Understanding of current WHS Act and regulations related to managing the risk of plant.
Highly Desirable:
- Defence aviation or military sustainment experience.
- Airworthiness, engineering governance or configuration management experience.
- Knowledge of asset lifecycle management frameworks and best practice asset management principles.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance.
- Degree qualification in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.
We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.
Security statement
Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. (Remove for non-ITAR role) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information
