Deputy Program Engineering Manager

Saab Australia Pty Ltd; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6 weeks leave

14% employer superannuation

Free Income Protection Insurance

Job summary

Saab Australia is seeking a Deputy Program Engineering Manager to lead engineering delivery across the DDG program, reporting to the Engineering Program Manager. You will govern performance, manage risks, and drive strategic directions for multiple projects and disciplines.

The role requires an engineering degree, extensive Defence program leadership, and the ability to obtain an NV1 clearance. Hybrid work from home/office is available as part of flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional accreditation or certifications in systems engineering are highly regarded.
• Extensive engineering leadership experience on complex Defence programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and govern engineering delivery across the DDG program.
• Drive stakeholder value through strategic engagement and informed decisions.
• Direct and integrate engineering delivery across multiple projects and disciplines.
• Set priorities and provide direction to engineering managers and CAMs.
• Own workforce capability, planning, risk management and bid leadership.

Skills

Engineering leadership

C4ISREW knowledge

Defence stakeholder engagement

Naval shipbuilding experience

Systems engineering

Education

Engineering degree

Professional accreditation (CPEng / ASEP / CSEP / ESEP)

Job description

Join Saab Australia (Saab) and help shape the future of defence, security and cyber technology. For more than 35 years, Saab Australia has been a leading provider of defence, civil and security solutions, with an enduring purpose to keep people and society safe. We combine global expertise with local knowledge to deliver innovative, world-class solutions that support critical operations across Australia’s defence and security industries. From cyber security and communications to advanced defence systems and mixed reality technologies, our teams work on meaningful projects that make a real impact. If you're looking for challenging work, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer

At Saab Australia, we recognise that meaningful work is just one part of a rewarding career. We support our people with benefits that enhance wellbeing, flexibility and financial security, including:

• Up to 6 weeks leave
• 14% employer superannuation contribution
• Free Income Protection Insurance

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent: https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

The opportunity

Saab Australia is an industry participant in the Combat Systems Integration – Integrated Project Team (CSI-IPT). The CSI-IPT forms a collaborative enterprise organisation to execute scopes of work across Hobart Class Destroyer (SEA4000 Phase 6 and other related Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) upgrades) and the Hunter Class Frigates (HCFs - SEA5000 Phase 1).

The role

The Deputy Program Engineering Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery & performance of engineering outcomes across the DDG program. A key member of the DDG leadership team and reporting to the Engineering Program Manager, the role provides strategic and operational leadership for the planning, integration, governance and execution of engineering activities, while deputising for the Engineering Program Manager as required. Further, the successful candidate will:

• Lead and govern engineering delivery across the DDG program, with accountability for engineering performance, assurance, and the achievement of strategic program outcomes.
• Exercise delegated Program Engineering Manager authority and acts as the senior engineering leader for designated areas of responsibility.
• Drive stakeholder value through strategic engagement, engineering performance management, and informed decision-making.
• Direct & integrate engineering delivery across multiple projects, work packages and disciplines.
• Set engineering priorities and provide strategic direction to engineering managers, leads and Cost Account Managers (CAMs).
• Own engineering workforce capability, labour forecasting, resource planning, technical prioritisation, and the management of engineering risks, issues, opportunities, and dependencies.
• Provided strategic engineering leadership for bid and proposal activities.
• Flexible work arrangements such as hybrid work from home / office and a 9-day fortnight will be considered for this role.

About you

Your skills and experience will include:

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience), Professional accreditation or systems engineering certifications (e.g. CPEng, ASEP, CSEP or ESEP) highly regarded.
• Extensive engineering leadership experience across complex Defence programs.
• Proven success leading large multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of C4ISREW and/or Combat System warfare domains.
• Ability to influence senior Defence, customer, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong Defence industry expertise, particularly in naval shipbuilding and combat systems integration.

Applicants must be Australian citizens and hold or be able to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance to NV1level. 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.

What you will be part of Explore a world of possibilities. Tackle challenges, drive innovation, and grow your career in an environment where curiosity and diverse perspectives are valued. Together, we achieve extraordinary outcomes, and your contribution matters. Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose to help nations keep their people and society safe. Supported by 28,000 employees worldwide, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. The company develops, manufactures, and sustains advanced systems across aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Learn more about Saab here.

We're committed to creating an environment where our people feel supported, empowered and inspired to do their best work.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and ex-service personnel, veterans and their families.

Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.