Technical Program Manager – AUV (Maritime Defence Systems)

Marcel Pacific; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Marcel Pacific is seeking a Technical Program Manager for the AUV program. You will lead the technical delivery from development through operational deployment, coordinating software, mechanical, electrical, and autonomy teams to ensure successful production readiness and defense customer engagement.

You will work closely with Defence stakeholders and DSTG, shaping product direction, engineering maturity and sovereign capability in a high-growth maritime tech environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science or related field.
• Experience leading complex technical programs in defence, robotics or autonomous systems.
• Strong systems integration and verification/validation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of the AUV program from development to deployment.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities across software, mechanical, electrical, communications, and autonomy.
• Develop roadmaps, schedules and release plans; manage risks and dependencies.
• Engage with Defence stakeholders and customers to ensure operational readiness.

Skills

Technical Program Management

Autonomous Vehicles

Systems Engineering

Defence Technology

Leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Robotics/Mechatronics/CS

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Git

MS Project

CAD

Job description

Technical Program Manager – AUV (Maritime Defence Systems)

Lead Australia's Next Generation of Underwater Defence Technology

Are you ready to lead the delivery of one of Australia's most advanced autonomous maritime defence platforms?

This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership role within a rapidly growing Australian defence technology company and directly influence the future of sovereign underwater capability.

At Marcel Pacific, you'll do more than manage programs. You'll lead the technical delivery of a cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) platform, guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, help mature a world-class engineering organisation, and play a key role in taking innovative technology from advanced development through operational deployment and production.

If you're passionate about autonomous systems, defence technology and leading complex engineering programs, this role offers the chance to make a genuine impact on Australia's future defence capability.

About Marcel Pacific

Marcel Pacific is an Australian maritime technology company developing a next-generation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) engineered for sovereign defence applications.

Designed for stealth, modularity and operational flexibility, the platform is being developed to meet the evolving requirements of the Australian Defence Force and allied underwater operations.

As the organisation continues its transition from advanced development to operational capability and scalable production, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Program Manager to help shape both the product and the future of the engineering function.

Your New Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the technical delivery of the AUV program and become the critical link between engineering, product development, testing, production and customer engagement.

You'll lead the coordination of multidisciplinary engineering activities, drive program execution, establish robust release and delivery frameworks, and help ensure the successful transition from development into production readiness.

Working closely with software, mechanical, electrical, communications and field operations specialists, you'll play a central role in delivering a capability that will support Defence customers and critical national interests.

This role offers significant influence, autonomy and visibility, making it ideal for an experienced technical leader who thrives in dynamic, high-growth engineering environments.

What You'll Be Doing

As the Technical Program Manager, you will:

Lead the technical delivery of the AUV program from development through to operational deployment.

Coordinate engineering activities across software, mechanical, electrical, communications and autonomy disciplines.

Develop and maintain technical roadmaps, delivery schedules and release plans.

Establish predictable and scalable hardware and software release processes.

Manage technical risks, dependencies and system integration challenges.

Support the transition of engineering outputs into repeatable and efficient production processes.

Coordinate system integration, verification, validation and acceptance testing activities.

Plan and support in-water trials, demonstrations and Defence user evaluations.

Build strong relationships with Defence stakeholders, DSTG and related customer representatives.

Assist with technical scoping, effort estimation and development planning for future capabilities.

Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes, documentation and configuration management practices.

Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring across a multidisciplinary engineering team.

What You'll Bring

To be successful in this role, you'll combine strong technical credibility with proven program leadership experience.

Highly Desirable

Experience working with autonomous vehicles.

Experience working in maritime domain.

A degree qualification in Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related technical discipline.

8+ years' experience within systems engineering, technical program management, robotics, autonomous systems or defence technology development.

Demonstrated success leading engineering teams, complex technical programs or multidisciplinary project delivery within defence, robotics, maritime or autonomous systems environments.

Strong understanding of systems integration, verification and validation processes.

Experience managing technical schedules, risks, dependencies and stakeholder expectations.

Outstanding communication, engagement and leadership skills.

Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain or maintain an NV2 Security Clearance.

Experience transitioning products from development into production environments.

Familiarity with engineering toolchains including JIRA, Confluence, Git, MS Project and CAD-based development environments.

Hands-on engineering experience across mechanical, electrical, software or test disciplines.

Previous experience developing engineering processes, release management frameworks and technical roadmaps.

Experience supporting field trials, operational testing or customer demonstrations.

Why Join Marcel Pacific?

This is far more than a program management role.

You'll join an organisation at a defining stage of its growth, where your work will directly influence product direction, engineering maturity and operational capability.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to:

Lead the delivery of pioneering autonomous maritime technology.

Work alongside highly skilled engineers and technical specialists.

Influence key technical and strategic decisions.

Shape engineering processes and organisational capability.

Engage directly with Defence stakeholders and end users.

Contribute to sovereign Australian defence capability.

Accelerate your career within a rapidly expanding defence technology business.