Birdon is passionate about innovation, in-house engineering and problem solving. We don't shy away from a challenge; we thrive on it. A proudly Australian manufacturer and industry partner, we provide whole of life solutions to multinational defence, government, maritime, energy and resource sectors.
As we continue to grow, so too does our team. We are looking for the right candidate to take on the role of Systems Integration Lead. This is a Full Time role, with flexibility to be based out of our offices in Sydney or Port Macquarie.
Position Overview
The Systems Integration Lead will lead a team of Engineers, providing guidance and ensuring the integrity, compliance, and effectiveness of the technical and design solutions within our defence shipbuilding design projects. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Mechanical Systems team and the integration of Electrical and Subcontracted system design, leading and coaching of the team, and guiding staff to achieve their full potential.
Key Accountabilities:
- Examine customer requirements and lead the development, design and integration activities ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements.
- Provide expert guidance on mechanical engineering, marine engineering, systems integration, and related disciplines to support design decisions and resolve complex technical challenges.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate design risks to safeguard project timelines, budget, and quality objectives.
- Primary technical contact with external stakeholders, including naval authorities, classification societies, subcontractors, and vendors, to address design-related inquiries, resolve issues, and foster collaborative relationships.
- Establish and maintain design assurance processes, procedures, and standards to uphold the quality and reliability of deliverables throughout the design lifecycle.
- Evaluate proposed design changes, assess their impact on project scope, schedule, and cost, and facilitate their implementation in accordance with change control procedures.
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of design decisions, rationale, and specifications to facilitate traceability, transparency, and knowledge transfer.
- Drive innovation and efficiency initiatives to optimize design processes, enhance productivity, and achieve project objectives more effectively.
- Actively seek to assist in the development of team members for their career development, fostering individual motivation and promoting a growth mindset.
- Provide design and progress reports as required by project governance.
- Provide the team members with feedback and a path of escalation to the wider business.
- Provide leadership and coordination in the areas of design and technical issues.
- Ensure the team behaviours adhere with company policies.
- Mentoring Junior members of the team and developing engineers.
- Manage defence client interfaces and client relationships.
- Promote a collaborative environment and visible leadership within the team setting the standard for others to follow.
- Manage and coach the Systems Integration Team (Mechanical, Electrical). Ensuring team performance, productivity and priorities meet project deadlines and company strategy.
- Lead the integration of the subcontracted Mechanical and Electrical design scopes, and coordinate the integration activities across the wider team.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Essential.
- 10 Years proven experience in a senior engineering role and considered expert within the defence or maritime industry, with a focus on shipbuilding projects. Relevant Tertiary qualifications at degree level.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices governing naval vessel design and construction. Experience in Defence contracting, understanding of military and government project documentation standards.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance technical, operational, and commercial considerations.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, with a track record of effectively engaging stakeholders and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with design software, simulation tools, and project management methodologies commonly used in shipbuilding environments.
- Proactive manner demonstrating strong commercial aptitude and interpersonal skills.
- Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, identify work priorities in a constantly changing environment.
Desirable.
- Relevant Tertiary qualifications at masters level.
- Professional certifications or memberships in relevant professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Engineer status, membership in the Royal Institution of Naval Architects) preferred.
- Formal training in leadership, organisational change management and behaviour.
- Ability to develop system documents, process standards, and high-level reporting.
- Anticipate future commercial need for design and confidently propose it to the business.
- Ability to develop technical documents, technical manuals, and drawings.
- Understanding of military and government project documentation standards.
We deliver value for our customers through our innovative people, organisational agility, and operational excellence. As an equal opportunity employer, all positions are open to any person that may have the required characteristics and experiences. Veterans are encouraged to apply.
For more information about Birdon, visit Home - Birdon
