Head of Engineering Design

Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18 days personal/carers leave

3 days paid leave between Christmas &

18 weeks Parental leave

14 weeks Parental leave (with possible

Annual flu vaccinations

Cultural, Naidoc and First Nations

Job summary

Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation – Lucas Heights NSW is seeking a Head of Engineering Design for a two‑year fixed‑term appointment. The role leads the establishment of ANSTO's Engineering Design Practice and oversees operating model, governance, systems and standards to deliver design services across Infrastructure and Engineering Services.

Working in a matrix environment, you will drive organisational transformation, capability development and readiness, reporting to the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognised institution.

Responsibilities

• Establish and operationalise the Engineering Design Practice across ANSTO.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational change

Matrix organisations

Transformation programs

Operating models & governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Eligibility for CPEng status

Job description

Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation – Lucas Heights NSW

• 2 Year Fixed Term | Full Time | Salary commensurate with experience
• Opportunity to provide leadership in Engineering Design Function
• Direct report to the Group Executive Infrastructure and Engineering Services

Company description:

Australian Nuclear Science

Position Overview

• 2 Year Fixed Term | Full Time | Salary commensurate with experience
• Opportunity to provide leadership in Engineering Design Function
• Direct report to the Group Executive Infrastructure and Engineering Services
• Lucas Heights Location

About the Opportunity

The Head of Engineering Design is responsible for establishing and operationalising ANSTO's Engineering Design Practice as a sustainable, enterprise-wide engineering capability. The position will lead the development of the operating model, governance framework, systems, processes, engineering standards, resource planning model and capability requirements necessary to provide engineering design services across ANSTO's Infrastructure and Engineering Services portfolio.

The role will operate within a matrix environment and work closely with engineering, project delivery and operational stakeholders to ensure engineering design resources are effectively deployed, governed and integrated across ANSTO's assets, projects and programs. The primary focus of this two-year fixed-term appointment is organisational transformation, capability establishment and operational readiness rather than management of an established engineering team.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognised institution.
• Eligibility for Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering organisations, engineering services functions or engineering design practices.
• Proven track record establishing, transforming or growing multidisciplinary engineering teams and capabilities.
• Significant experience operating within matrix organisational structures.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational transformation programs.
• Experience establishing operating models, governance frameworks, processes and engineering systems.
• Strong capability in stakeholder engagement and organisational change leadership.

About Us

At ANSTO Infrastructure & Engineering Services, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of Australia's most unique and complex engineering challenges. Our people play a critical role in delivering the infrastructure, engineering expertise, and operational capability that enable ANSTO's national missions. If you're looking for meaningful work, a dynamic environment, and the chance to help shape the future, we'd love to hear from you.

ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists and engineers and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia's most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the‑art instruments every year.

Benefits of Working with Us

ANSTO offers training and development, performance-based salary increases and an extensive range of leave provisions to help employees balance work and personal commitments.

• 18 days personal/carers leave for each year of service
• 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year

Generous parental leave provisions:

• 18 weeks Parental leave for primary caregiver
• 14 weeks Parental leave for secondary caregiver (with incremental increase to a maximum of 18 weeks effective 01/03/2027)
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Cultural, Naidoc and First Nations ceremonial leave

Application closing date: 8th October 2026 at 11:59pm

All applicants must be Australian citizens.

In order to solve great challenges, we need great minds and great teams. At ANSTO, we understand that diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM.