Technical Director - Design Management (NSQEP)

AECOM; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Additional annual leave

Public holidays as needed

Professional development support

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an experienced Technical Director - Design Management (NSQEP) to lead integrated design teams across Australia and the UK on high-profile defence infrastructure programmes. You will provide technical leadership, drive design integration, and mentor engineers within a nuclear safety framework.

The role requires 25+ years in defence or nuclear sectors, Chartered status, and strong stakeholder management. Adelaide-based with relocation support and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required.
• 25+ years delivering complex defence/nuclear projects.
• Chartered status or recognised membership.
• NSQEP framework experience is highly regarded.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong nuclear safety and design-management background.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated design teams across Australia and the UK to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership across complex design systems, with focus on safety-critical infrastructure.
• Guide design integration across multiple disciplines and manage project risks.
• Support the Design Lead with technical advice and program planning; represent the project in senior forums.
• Mentor engineers and promote a strong nuclear safety culture; develop NSQEP capability.
• Build trusted client/stakeholder relationships and identify opportunities for growth.

Skills

Leadership

NSQEP knowledge

Safety-critical design

Multidisciplinary leadership

Technical mentorship

Education

Engineering degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Technical Director - Design Management (NSQEP)

• Full-time
• State/Province: South Australia
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
• Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Operating Group: International
• Primary Location: AU - Adelaide, SA

Come and grow with us.

Our global portfolio of work comprises the design of iconic and award-winning buildings and landscapes. From strategic planning through to project realisation, the connections we make among people and place provide sustainable outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We place a premium on investing in digital capabilities and innovations which bring a unique consistency and efficiency to our scalable work. Together with our clients, we are working to evolve and elevate the built environment across sectors including social infrastructure, transit, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long term health and wellbeing for all.

Everyone belongs at AECOM

We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

Our Adelaide team is looking for an experienced Technical Director level Design Manager to join one of Australia's most significant defence infrastructure projects.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role where you'll help shape the design and delivery of a complex, safety-critical programme. You'll lead integrated teams across Australia and the UK, bringing people together to solve technical challenges, maintain design quality and ensure successful project outcomes.

As part of our Nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (NSQEP) capability, you'll contribute to the delivery of safety-significant work by applying your technical expertise, professional judgement and leadership within a robust nuclear safety framework. Experience working within an NSQEP framework is highly regarded, however we also welcome applications from professionals with extensive experience in defence, nuclear or other highly regulated industries who can demonstrate equivalent capability.

How you’ll make a difference:

• Lead integrated design teams across Australia and the UK, creating a collaborative culture that delivers consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership across complex process engineering systems, with particular focus on radiological waste management and supporting infrastructure.
• Guide design integration across multiple disciplines, helping resolve technical issues, manage project risks and support successful project delivery.
• Support the Design Lead by providing technical advice, contributing to program planning and representing the project in senior technical, client and safety forums when required.
• Mentor engineers and technical specialists, building capability across the team while promoting a strong nuclear safety culture and supporting the development of NSQEP capability across the programme.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and key stakeholders, understanding their challenges and delivering practical, innovative solutions.
• Contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities, supporting client engagement and maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence.

This role is located in Adelaide with relocation support available for suitably qualified candidates

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role.

The qualities that help you thrive:

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related technical discipline, with relevant postgraduate qualifications highly regarded.
• More than 25 years' experience delivering complex projects within defence, nuclear or other highly regulated industries.
• Chartered status or professional membership with a recognised industry body.
• Experience working within an NSQEP framework is highly regarded. Candidates with the capability to work within an NSQEP environment, demonstrated through significant experience in nuclear, defence or other highly regulated industries, are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams through complex design and project delivery.
• Strong technical background in design management or the delivery of safety-critical / defence infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships at all levels.
• A track record of developing high-performing teams, contributing to business growth and delivering successful project outcomes. Technical publications or conference presentations would be viewed favourably.

Please note, suitable AUKUS defence clearance is essential for this role.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, full-time, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
• Continuous learning and growth - lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the landson which we, our clients and our communities live and workaround Australia.We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses.Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here:https://aecom.com/au/our-vision-for-reconciliation/.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 5 hundred firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

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