Technical Engineering Manager

The key duties of the position include:

The Role

As an engineer in the Joint Position, Navigation and Timing Directorate (JPD), you will use your technical expertise to assess and improve complex Defence systems. JPD has become the focal point within Defence for Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), supporting current capability assessments and guiding future acquisitions through analysis activities.

Key aspects of the engineering role within JPD’s technical team include:

• Test & Evaluation: Plan, lead, and report on PNT test activities, ensuring safe and timely execution.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks during test events.
• Reporting: Deliver clear technical and non-technical PNT reports based on Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) which include PNT architecture and dependencies.
• RF Device Management: Model RF propagation, measure emissions for safety, and collect technical data.

You will work in a small, autonomous team, collaborating with Army, Navy, Air Force, DSTG, and industry partners. This work will involve providing both Alternate and Assured PNT data to the Defence Enterprise. Activities that the JPD Engineer will be involved in will include testing emerging technologies and supporting discrete testing events and complex joint exercises. Strong, influential, and clear communication skills are essential for engaging stakeholders across Defence, academia, and industry.

Additional responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor team members, allocate tasks, and manage resources.
• Review technical packages, assess equipment performance, and recommend improvements.
• Plan and execute PNT field exercises, simulate RF path loss, and support continuous improvement.
• Build team relationships and motivate developing technicians.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer. 

About our Team

The established Joint PNT Directorate (JPD) delivers an integrated approach towards the unique and complex ADF PNT capability. The JPD integrated campaigning approach involves partnerships across all domains, Whole of Australian Government, international partners, science and technology, academia and industry. Through Joint Project 9380 Assured PNT, the Directorate is providing the ADF PNT focal point to prepare, collaborate, and transition PNT information and capabilities for the ADF.

JPD roles include; PNT standards, PNT resilience and technology readiness analysis, PNT operations and situational awareness support, Navigation Warfare support, PNT engagement, and Defence time. JPD Engineering provide the Directorate and Defence with critical and broad technical services across documentation, complex equipment and in the planning and execution of PNT field exercises.

Our Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate strong motivation to lead the planning, execution, and reporting, including analysis of complex Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities. You will apply analytical skills to assess and clearly communicate the capability impacts of assured or degraded PNT data across the Enterprise and military platforms.

This role requires initiative, sound judgment, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture that promotes knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the Directorate and across the Australian Defence Force.

You must be prepared to undertake occasional interstate and remote work, including participation in trials on military platforms and exercises. JPD expects the Engineer to be an individual who can work both independently and as part of a team to achieve strategic objectives. The position also requires accountability for ongoing professional development, with JPD providing resources to support identified growth opportunities.

Our ideal candidate will have experience and interest in the following areas:

• Test & Evaluation: Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct, and report on test and evaluation activities, with an understanding of how these processes support effective decision-making and capability development.
• RF Systems: Knowledge and understanding of RF signals and propagation principles.
• Analytics: Experience developing analytic systems for performance evaluation, including software, hardware, and data integration.
• Modelling and Simulation: Proficiency in applying modelling and simulation tools to support planning, validate outcomes, and enhance processes across organisational capabilities and practices.
• Systems Engineering: Understanding of systems engineering principles and how policies, standards, and governance frameworks influence the lifecycle of complex systems or capabilities.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

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

Mandatory Qualifications:

A role in this engineering occupation requires a Bachelor of Engineering from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.

This engineering position may require the individual to be able to meet the requirements of Chartered Professional Engineer (Engineers Australia), Registered Professional Engineer (Professionals Australia) or Fellow/Member of Royal Institution of Naval Architects or demonstrated the ability to obtain such status within 12 months.

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