Chief Engineer - Tactical

Rheinmetall; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 day fortnight weekends

Flexible working arrangements

Employee discounts (500+ retailers)

Parental leave

WORK180 endorsement

Job summary

Rheinmetall Defence Australia seeks a Design Authority for Boxer to ensure the technical integrity of all deliverables to the Commonwealth and international partners. You will be the primary engineering point of contact, advising on engineering matters and approving safe operation statements.

You will lead engineering teams, manage program planning for Boxer lines, coordinate with Rheinmetall AG, and uphold safety-critical standards within Defence Acquisition programs.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status with Engineers Australia, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in Systems Engineering, including delivery of complex, safety-critical systems.
• Experience on a Defence Acquisition program.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams to deliver contractually compliant designs.
• Ability to interpret complex functional and performance specifications and identify existing technical solutions that meet them.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance (Australian Citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess and mitigate technical risks and issues and capitalise on opportunities across the program lifecycle.
• Ensure customer requirements are accurately translated into verifiable system requirements.
• Leadership and direct the Engineering teams allocated to Boxer programs.
• Partner with Engineering Leads within RDA and Rheinmetall AG.
• Advise Chief Engineers and Program Directors on all engineering matters.
• Oversee technical program planning and bid activities within RDA Engineering for your product lines; and
• Approve statements of safe operation and requests for deviation in support of Tactical Systems delivery.

Skills

CPEng status

Systems engineering

Defence program

Cross-functional leadership

Requirements translation

Stakeholder comms

Security clearance eligible

Job description

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

About the Team

Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Engineering team brings together diverse expertise across mechanical, electrical, systems, software, and specialty disciplines. Reporting directly to the General Manager of Engineering, the Chief Engineer – Tactical serves as RDA’s official Design Authority for the Boxer Platform and acts as the primary engineering point of contact for the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA).

About the Role

As RDA’s Design Authority for Boxer, you will be accountable for the technical integrity of everything we deliver to the CoA and our international partners: that it is correct, complete, safe and fit for purpose. You will also be the Commonwealth’s primary engineering point of contact, representing RDA on all technical matters. Your responsibilities will include:

• Identify, assess and mitigate technical risks and issues and capitalise on opportunities across the program lifecycle;
• Ensure customer requirements are accurately translated into verifiable system requirements;
• Leadership and direct the Engineering teams allocated to Boxer programs;
• Partner with Engineering Leads within RDA and Rheinmetall AG;
• Advise Chief Engineers and Program Directors on all engineering matters;
• Oversee technical program planning and bid activities within RDA Engineering for your product lines; and
• Approve statements of safe operation and requests for deviation in support of Tactical Systems delivery.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS YOU SHOULD HAVE

What are we looking for?

Rheinmetall seeks applicants who exemplify our Company’s values of Safety, Partnering, Openness, Respect and Trust (SPORT). This creates a workplace environment where employees value each other, live up to their promises and communicate openly.

The experience and skillset best suited to this role includes:

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status with Engineers Australia, or equivalent;
• Extensive experience in Systems Engineering, including delivery of complex, safety-critical systems;
• Experience on a Defence Acquisition program;
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams to deliver contractually compliant designs;
• Ability to interpret complex functional and performance specifications and identify existing technical solutions that meet them;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders; and
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance (Australian Citizenship required).

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Long weekends every second week with a 9 day fortnight;
• Individualised Flexible Working Arrangements;
• Access to exclusive employee discounts with over 500 retailers to support cost of living;
• Market leading parental leave and loyalty leave accrual for every year of service;
• We are proud to be an Endorsed Employer for All Women with WORK180.

CONTACT INFORMATION

RDA Talent Acquisition Team

[e-mail]

#LI-JS1

Applications will close on 17/11/2026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This role requires a Defence clearance, only Australian Citizens are eligible.

This role is subject to ITAR (International Traffic Arms Regulations), your nationality may affect eligibility.

Further information regarding clearances found at https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances

Diverse perspectives drive value – for clients, people, and communities. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.