About the role:
Lead the engineering strategy behind one of Australia's most significant Defence Land capability programs.
This role is available in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or Brisbane and can be performed from any of these locations.
The successful candidate will join a nationally significant Land program delivering strategic capability in partnership with the Commonwealth and the Defence Industry. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of complex Land capability development, collaborating with Defence, government and industry stakeholders to shape strategic outcomes that strengthen Australia's sovereign capability.
Working across a highly collaborative environment, you will lead and contribute to the planning, delivery and governance of complex initiatives that support long-term national priorities, bringing together operational needs, emerging technologies and industry expertise to influence the future of Defence capability.
This is an opportunity to influence the future of Australia's Land capability while leading talented engineering professionals on one of the country's most strategically important Defence programs.
As a Technical Engineering Manager, you'll work alongside Defence, industry and government partners to deliver innovative capability that strengthens Australia's sovereign Defence capability for decades to come.
We work in a fast-paced, demanding, challenging as well as time sensitive environment; we’re diverse, global, resilient, adaptable and agile, therefore the ability to solve problems is critical.
Along with satisfaction & rewards that comes with working for a global defence company, you can expect a generous salary, a range of outstanding benefits & an inclusive working environment.
The Role
As the Land Capability Engineering Manager, you will provide strategic and technical leadership across a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for delivering complex, software-intensive Defence systems. Reporting into the Land Program leadership team, you will shape engineering strategy, provide technical governance, and ensure engineering activities are delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety and systems engineering rigour.
You will lead the engineering function across the full systems lifecycle—from requirements definition and architecture through integration, verification, validation, deployment and in-service support—while ensuring alignment with program objectives, customer requirements and Defence engineering governance.
This role also plays a critical part in building organisational capability by developing engineering talent, strengthening workforce resilience, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the program remains technically competitive within an evolving Defence landscape.
Key responsibilities:
Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering team delivering complex Land capability programs.
Define and execute the engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, program objectives and long-term business outcomes.
Provide technical leadership across systems engineering, architecture, integration, verification, validation and deployment activities.
Oversee engineering planning, resource management, governance, risk and technical assurance across multiple projects.
Lead engineering engagement with Defence customers, senior stakeholders, industry partners and engineering governance authorities.
Drive innovation, technical excellence and continuous improvement while supporting workforce capability, succession planning and organisational resilience.
Oversee Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) operations to ensure delivery against program objectives and compliance with Defence and industry standards.
About you
You are a respected engineering leader with extensive experience delivering complex Defence systems and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams. You combine strategic thinking with technical credibility and are passionate about developing people, influencing stakeholders and delivering engineering excellence.
You will bring:
Over 15 years' experience delivering complex Defence or software-intensive systems, with at least five years in an engineering leadership role.
Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and their application within an ASDEFCON environment.
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across the full systems engineering lifecycle.
Strong understanding of military systems, systems integration, networks and network security.
Demonstrated ability to develop engineering strategy, manage technical risk and deliver complex engineering outcomes.
Outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior Defence, government and industry stakeholders.
Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline. Professional certifications such as Engineers Australia CPEng or INCOSE (ASEP/CSEP/ESEP) are highly regarded.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance (NV1) and access ITAR-controlled information.
Personal Attributes:
Strong communicator, able to clearly convey complex information to senior stakeholders.
Self-starter, comfortable working autonomously with minimum supervision whilst keeping relevant stakeholders informed.
Deliver results, driving accountability and efficiency for the organisation and customers.
Analytical thinker, able to balance technical feasibility, operational relevance and financial constraints.
Collaborative and relationship-focused, able to build trust with a diverse range of stakeholders.
As Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an NV1 clearance. Information including past and present nationality and citizenship may be requested to check eligibility for access to materials controlled under various export control regimes, including ITAR.
If you're passionate about shaping Defence Land capability and ready to lead engineering at scale, shape technical strategy and make a lasting contribution to Australia's national security, we'd love to hear from you.
About us
Saab Australia is a defence, security and cyber solutions provider, specialising in the development and integration of major defence and security systems. For over 30 years in Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering complex systems integration projects that provide proven and advanced capabilities to keep us ahead of today’s challenges.
From combat, communications, security and underwater systems to mixed reality, cyber security and deployable health solutions, our extensive portfolio of products and services provide high-technology solutions for defence forces and civil industries across the globe.
Apply today to join our crew and deliver solutions with purpose.
Culture and benefits
We employ over 1000 Australians and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and enriching the employee experience.
By joining Saab, you’ll be a part of a collaborative and supportive organisation, where your professional growth and work-life balance are emphasised. You’ll work within an innovative and vibrant workplace, while having the opportunity to develop a long-term, fulfilling career.
As a valued team member of Saab Australia, you’ll access a variety of perks and benefits to support you and your family including:
6 weeks paid leave each year
14% Superannuation
Free Income Protection Insurance
Flexible working options
Access to the Saab shares matching scheme
Access to MySaab; our online store offering everything from cash back at hundreds of stores to discounts from exclusive partners.
For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent:
https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life
Applications
Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV and cover letter in support of your application. Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and in exceptional circumstances, the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement. We encourage applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
By submitting an application to Saab, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities including, but not limited to: reference checks, Australian Federal Police check, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening and a pre-employment medical declaration.
Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.
Saab Australia is a nationally recognised Veteran Employer of Choice and welcomes the interest of ex-service members, veterans and their families.
