Lead Engineer

Cubic Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cubic Group in Canberra is seeking a Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership for enterprise systems within Defence and secure government environments. You will drive system architecture, design assurance, integration oversight, and governance across the lifecycle, with autonomy and emphasis on knowledge transfer to Australian teams.

NV2 security clearance and strong leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in systems engineering, enterprise ICT systems, or complex Defence environments.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a supervisor/leadership role.
• Experience in the design, integration, verification, validation, and sustainment of complex systems.
• Strong understanding of lifecycle management, enterprise architectures, integration, verification/validation, and technical governance within Defence or mission-critical environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV2 Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical authority for a mission-critical system, guiding architecture, integration, and governance.
• Build, lead, and scale engineering teams; drive performance via KPIs.
• Develop/approve architectures aligned with requirements, security, and Defence standards.
• Lead system integration to ensure interoperability of hardware, software, and networks.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks across the lifecycle.
• Mentor teams and enable knowledge transfer to Australian engineers.
• Collaborate with customers and suppliers to resolve complex issues and support delivery.

Job description

Business Unit:

Cubic Defense

Company Details:

When you join Cubic, you become part of a company that creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation to make people's lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities to help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is committed to solving global issues through innovation and service to our customers and partners.

We have a top-tier portfolio of businesses, including Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and Cubic Defense (CD). Explore more on Cubic.com.

Job Details:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Engineer provides technical leadership for complex, mission-critical enterprise systems operating within Defence and secure government environments. The role is responsible for system architecture, design assurance, integration oversight, technical governance, and risk management across the system lifecycle.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Lead Engineer evaluates complex technical and operational challenges, determines appropriate engineering approaches, and ensures delivery outcomes align with organisational objectives, customer requirements, and Defence standards.

The position provides leadership and guidance to engineering teams, influences technical decision-making, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful program outcomes. A key focus of the role is ensuring effective knowledge transfer and capability development within Australian engineering teams.

Security Clearance Requirement:

NV2 (minimum)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Act as the technical authority for a mission-critical enterprise system, providing leadership across architecture, design assurance, integration, and technical governance activities. Build, lead, and scale high-performing systems engineering teams, including driving performance through KPIs Develop, review, and approve system architectures, ensuring alignment with operational requirements, security objectives, usability needs, scalability considerations, and Defence standards. Lead system integration activities, ensuring effective interoperability between hardware, software, networks, and supporting infrastructure. Identify, assess, and manage technical risks throughout the system lifecycle, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies and escalation pathways. Oversee verification and validation activities to ensure system performance, compliance, and operational readiness. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineering teams, supporting capability development and knowledge transfer to Australian engineering personnel. Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues and support program delivery objectives. Support bid activities, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships at a senior level. Contribute to engineering processes, standards, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system quality, reliability, and maintainability.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Minimum 8 years' experience in systems engineering, enterprise ICT systems, or complex Defence environments.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a supervisor/leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, integration, verification, validation, and sustainment of complex systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering lifecycle management, enterprise system architectures, integration, verification and validation, and technical governance within Defence or mission-critical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and manage technical risk across complex programs.
• Experience leading engineering teams and providing technical direction within multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV2 Security Clearance.

Desirable

• Experience working within Australian Defence programs and classified environments.
• Familiarity with Defence systems engineering frameworks, standards, and assurance processes.
• Experience supporting capability transition, sustainment, and knowledge transfer activities.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate) and systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience contributing to engineering governance, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• INCOSE certification or equivalent professional accreditation.

Worker Type:

Employee

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable law.