Director SUAS

Australian Department of Defence; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Department of Defence – Brisbane QLD is seeking an EL 2 Director of SUAS to lead the acquisition and sustainment of Small Uncrewed Aerial System capabilities and oversee related corporate responsibilities.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement with Defence and Industry partners, reporting to the Director UASPO from CASG. ITAR access considerations apply, with locations in Brisbane and national detachments.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex acquisition and sustainment programs.
• Strong understanding of Defence capability management.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into delivery plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large, multi-disciplinary team to acquire and sustain UAS capabilities.
• Develop relationships with senior Capability Manager Representatives and Industry Partners.
• Ensure ITAR/compliance considerations are addressed.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Risk-based decision making

Communication

Commercial acumen

Job description

Australian Department of Defence – Brisbane QLD

As the EL 2 Director of SUAS, you will be responsible for the acquisition and sustainment of Small Uncrewed Aerial System capabilities, along with the overarching corporate responsibilities associated with such an important role. Reporting to the Director UASPO, you will lead a large, diverse, multi-disciplinary team to ensure the capabilities are appropriately acquired and they remain operationally available to support critical ADF and Government objectives.

In this role, you will be responsible for the development and maintenance of internal and external stakeholder relationships including senior level Capability Manager Representatives and Industry Partners. You will possess sound commercial and business acumen and preferably, a demonstrated understanding of the Defence Industry sector in Australia and you will be required to apply this knowledge in a dynamic environment.

Also, this role has been identified as requiring access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled technology. The ITAR is United States (US) law which regulates Defence articles, including technical data, and Defence services on the United States Munitions List. Access restrictions may apply on the basis of currently held/previously held citizenship, as well as current permanent residency. Defence may be able to utilise workforce exemptions to mitigate these restrictions, which generally requires that applicants provide details of all current citizenships and permanent residencies, as well as previously held citizenships. Defence collects these details to confirm an applicant’s eligibility for the role and to maintain compliance with international obligations

About our Team

The Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Office (UASPO) resides within Army Aviation Systems Branch (AASB) in Joint Aviation Systems Division (JASD) of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). The Program Office is comprised of a Business Management Unit (BMU), with three recently restructured teams; one focused on future capabilities, and the other two specialising on Tactical and Small UAS Delivery and Sustainment programs.

UASPO are trusted to consistently and safely deliver against agreed requirements for the Capability Manager, with the best value for money outcomes. We work closely with, and are proud of the strong relationships with our Defence and Industry stakeholders. UASPO is based in Brisbane, with detachments located in Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Director Small UAS is a strategic and experienced leader, with a superior record of delivering complex acquisition and sustainment programs in a high tempo environment. You will have a strong understanding of Defence capability management and demonstrate experience in risk based decision making.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to translate technical requirements into delivery plans to achieve business outcomes
• The capacity to think strategically and develop plans and processes to enhance the achievement of business outcomes.
• Highly developed communication skills, self-drive, and initiative with the ability to influence others to achieve tasks and business objectives.
• Strong commercial, financial and business acumen and a have a good understanding of the Defence Industry sector in Australia.
• Excellent people management skills and experience in leading a high performing teams.

Application Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/06140/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=2C9C9257-1C14-0B5A-86A0-ED66E266EC28