Combat Systems Program Manager

Overview

The Combat Systems Program Manager will strengthen the Combat Systems Directorate within the SSN-AUKUS Support Branch, providing specialist engineering leadership and independent technical judgement for complex, high-risk, safety-critical combat systems across submarine platforms. This role requires the ability to lead combat system design assurance, manage integration risk, and provide authoritative technical advice at ASA governance forums. Key Duties and Deliverables

• Lead and assure the design, integration, verification, and configuration of combat system elements across submarine platforms and related enabling systems
• Lead and participate in combat system reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR or equivalent) and produce combat system assurance and technical compliance reports
• Develop Safety-in-Design and system safety assessments including hazard identification and risk mitigation for safety-critical combat systems
• Ensure combat system designs meet capability, interoperability, cyber resilience, and safety requirements aligned with Australian and partner-nation standards across all lifecycle phases
• Provide independent, authoritative technical advice to ASA governance and assurance forums on combat system compliance and integration risk
• Lead reduction of technical, integration, safety, and interoperability risk across combat system delivery workstreams
• Provide clear, auditable engineering decisions that support operational capability milestones

Essential Criteria

• Active NV1 (or above) AGSVA security clearance
• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering (systems, electrical, electronic, or related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience leading or assuring combat systems engineering on Defence submarine or naval platforms
• Familiarity with Australian and AUKUS partner-nation (US/UK) combat system standards, interoperability requirements, and certification frameworks
• Experience in Safety-in-Design and system safety assessments for safety-critical combat systems
• Ability to provide authoritative independent technical advice to senior governance forums

Desirable Criteria

• Direct experience on nuclear-powered submarine or Collins-class combat system programs
• Experience working across AUKUS partner-nation combat system integration activities
• Familiarity with ITAR-controlled combat system information and export control frameworks
• Chartered or Professional Engineer status
• AIPM membership or equivalent project management certification