Engineer Professional

Australian Department of Defence; Penrith; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Department of Defence in Penrith, NSW, seeks an APS 6 Engineer Professional Explosive Ordnance to lead complex engineering work across the Defence lifecycle. You will engage with stakeholders, develop EO concepts, and deliver compliant technical solutions that support capability outcomes.

Based in Penrith, this role requires on-site presence with limited work-from-home options. ITAR-related access and dual citizenship disclosures may be part of recruitment processes.

Qualifications

• Explosive ordnance engineering experience.
• Interpret and apply engineering policies and standards.
• Proven leadership including team management.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder communication.
• Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders on complex issues.
• Sound judgement and initiative in decision making.
• Commitment to continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team, setting priorities, allocating resources, and driving delivery of work outcomes.
• Perform complex explosive ordnance engineering activities and provide technical advice under limited direction.
• Investigate, analyse, and report on explosive ordnance engineering defects, risks, and requirements.
• Develop and implement recommendations to address engineering issues and improve capability outcomes.
• Ensure delivered materiel complies with legislative, policy, safety, and regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor and incorporate safety considerations into all engineering activities.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and program management activities.
• Build team capability through coaching, mentoring, and quality assurance of work outputs.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and respond to complex and sensitive issues effectively.

Skills

Explosive ordnance

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Australian Department of Defence - Penrith NSW

Are you an experienced engineering professional looking to contribute to complex, high impact Defence outcomes?

The Guided Weapons Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Air Branch is seeking a motivated APS 6 Engineer Professional Explosive Ordnance to play a critical role in supporting Australia's Defence capability.

As an APS 6 Engineer Professional within the Explosive Ordnance sub function, you will lead the delivery of complex engineering work across the Defence materiel capability lifecycle. You will engage with key stakeholders, investigate and develop explosive ordnance engineering concepts, and deliver technical solutions that support safe, effective, and compliant capability outcomes.

Working under limited direction, you will exercise autonomy, initiative, and sound judgement to interpret policy and apply engineering practices. You will provide expert technical advice, contribute to strategic planning, and support program and project delivery within an integrated workforce.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a team, setting priorities, allocating resources, and driving delivery of work outcomes.
• Perform complex explosive ordnance engineering activities and provide technical advice under limited direction.
• Investigate, analyse, and report on explosive ordnance engineering defects, risks, and requirements.
• Develop and implement recommendations to address engineering issues and improve capability outcomes.
• Ensure delivered materiel complies with legislative, policy, safety, and regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor and incorporate safety considerations into all engineering activities.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and program management activities.
• Build team capability through coaching, mentoring, and quality assurance of work outputs.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and respond to complex and sensitive issues effectively.

This position is based in Penrith, NSW and due to the nature of the role, regular on-site attendance is required. Flexible working arrangements, including limited work-from-home options, may be negotiated with the successful candidate; however, applicants should expect to work predominantly from the Penrith office to support stakeholder engagement and project delivery requirements.

This position will be required to access US export controlled materiel and therefore applicants will be requested to disclose any dual citizenship with another country during the recruitment process. Dual citizens may be subject to further assessment and appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

About our Team

The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Systems Division plays a key role in delivering critical capability for Defence. The Division works to ensure that Australia has access to modern, reliable, and effective guided weapons and explosive ordnance, while strengthening sovereign capability and supporting national security objectives. This is achieved through close collaboration with industry, international partners, and stakeholders across Defence, helping to support the full lifecycle of capability, from initial concept through to delivery and sustainment.

Within this, GWEO Air Branch focuses on supporting Air Force capability, working as part of an integrated team to deliver outcomes that enable Defence operations. The Branch works closely with stakeholders to manage complex challenges, support decision making, and ensure capability remains effective, safe, and fit for purpose. Together, GWEO Systems Division and GWEO Air Branch contribute to a coordinated, forward looking approach that strengthens Defence capability, supports operational readiness, and helps ensure Australia is well positioned to respond to future challenges.

Our Ideal Candidate

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge and experience in explosive ordnance engineering (or closely related discipline).
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering policies, standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership capability, including team management, mentoring, and resource allocation.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders on complex issues.
• Sound judgement and initiative in decision making and priority setting.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 22 November 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference GWEO/06254/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=0271B58F-7894-669C-CC00-ED67CF560AA3