Transition Manager (Engineering)

Kinexus; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility with working from home

Job summary

Amentum is seeking an experienced Transition Manager (Engineering) to lead the transition of complex Defence capabilities from acquisition into operational service and sustainment within a Defence environment. You will provide engineering leadership across transition planning, introduction into service, technical certification, design acceptance, testing, inspection and engineering assurance activities.

Location preference is Cairns, with Canberra or other locations possible.

Qualifications

• Significant engineering experience in Defence acquisition, sustainment, systems engineering or governance environments.
• Experience supporting Defence capabilities through acquisition, introduction into service and transition to sustainment.
• Knowledge of engineering assurance, certification, and change processes.
• Experience exercising delegated authority or within an Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO).
• Ability to analyse technical information and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead capability transition planning from acquisition into operational service and sustainment.
• Engage with Defence, CASG, military and industry stakeholders to align objectives.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and track actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Prepare and review project, engineering and governance documentation.
• Assess technical evidence to determine capability readiness.
• Participate in inspections, testing and acceptance activities; provide engineering advice.

Skills

Defence engineering

Acquisition to sustainment

Engineering governance

Risk assessment

Certification & acceptance

Configuration management

Engineering change processes

Technical authority

AEO experience

Stakeholder engagement

Evidence-based recommendations

FIC understanding

In-service engineering

ITAR clearance

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent + Project Management

Job description

Amentum is continually expanding our opportunities working on prominent defence projects across air, land and sea supporting the critical capabilities that keep Australia safe. We have a growing presence in cyber, space and nuclear programs.

Tell me about this role:

We are seeking an experienced Transition Manager (Engineering) to support the transition of complex Defence capabilities from acquisition into operational service and enduring sustainment within a Defence environment.

The successful candidate will provide engineering leadership across transition planning, introduction into service, technical certification, design acceptance, testing, inspection and engineering assurance activities. The role will assess whether capabilities are technically mature, appropriately supported and ready to transition from acquisition projects into operational service and the receiving sustainment organisation.

Working closely with Defence stakeholders, project teams and industry partners, you will evaluate technical evidence, identify engineering and transition risks, exercise delegated technical authority where applicable, and provide well‑founded recommendations to support Commonwealth decision‑making.

Location:

Cairns (preferred), Canberra, or other locations may be considered depending on operational requirements and candidate suitability.

What will I be doing day to day?

• Lead the planning and coordination of capability transition activities from acquisition into operational service and sustainment.
• Engage with Defence, CASG, military and industry stakeholders to align project objectives and transition requirements.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and track agreed actions, decisions and outcomes.
• Prepare and review project, engineering and governance documentation to support transition and assurance activities.
• Assess technical evidence and project deliverables to determine capability readiness.
• Participate in inspections, testing and acceptance activities, providing engineering advice and recommendations.
• Conduct technical assessments and investigations relating to capability, supportability and operational requirements.
• Identify, assess and manage engineering, transition and sustainment risks.
• Analyse support arrangements, logistics requirements and sustainment considerations for new capabilities.
• Contribute to Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC) assessments and readiness reviews.
• Support engineering certification, design acceptance and technical governance activities.
• Provide technical briefs, reports and recommendations to support Commonwealth decision‑making.
• Monitor progress against milestones and report on key risks, dependencies and issues.

What Sort of Skills Do I Need?

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering and/or Project Management.
• Significant engineering experience within Defence acquisition, sustainment, systems engineering or engineering governance environments.
• Experience supporting complex Defence capabilities through acquisition, introduction into service and transition to sustainment.
• Experience developing engineering, risk, certification, acceptance, governance or transition documentation.
• Knowledge of engineering assurance, technical certification, Design Acceptance, configuration management and engineering change processes.
• Experience exercising delegated engineering or technical authority, or working within an Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO).
• Ability to analyse technical information, assess risks and provide evidence‑based recommendations.
• Experience identifying and analysing in‑service engineering and support requirements.
• Understanding of Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC) and their application to capability introduction and sustainment.
• Experience supporting technical investigations, testing and acceptance activities.
• Maritime or other complex Defence platform experience (highly regarded).
• Current NV1 Security Clearance and the ability to satisfy applicable ITAR requirements.

What’s in it for me?

• Flexibility -We like our employees to have the flexibility they need to live the lives they choose. With flexible working options such as WFH where possible.
• Inclusion -Our employees should feel safe bringing their whole self to work, we offer a number of programs promoting inclusion.
• Benefits and Rewards –Our benefits and rewards includesadditional superannuation;flexible leave options;salary continuation insurance;professional certification bonus;employee discount program.

Amentum: Trusted Partner in National Security

Amentum is a key service provider to the Australian Government, supporting critical national security and Defence capabilities across land, air, maritime, cyber, space, nuclear, and digital domains. With over 880 professionals nationwide, we deliver complex infrastructure, logistics, and technical solutions with a strong focus on quality, safety, and innovation. With 27+ years of experience and a presence in major cities and regions, we’re proud of our people—our greatest asset. Join us and be part of a high‑performing team with exceptional benefits and career opportunities.

Additional information

• Lead Defence capability transition into service and sustainment.
• Provide engineering assurance, certification and risk oversight.
• Engage Defence and industry stakeholders to achieve transition outcomes.