- Canberra - ACT
- $144,430 - $173,359 (EL 2) + Super
The Role
Are you a leader that motivates and empowers others?
Can you apply professional expertise and technology?
Do you want to be a key contributor to Australia’s Defence maritime capability?
The Directorate of Navy Engineering – Whole of Ship (DNE WOS) is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished engineering professional to jointly lead the Mechanical, Electrical and Aviation Centre of Expertise (MEA CoE) team which is distributed across Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney.
This is a pivotal senior technical specialist role that provides technical advice as well as managing a multi-discipline engineering team of technical specialists responsible for delivering essential capabilities in environmental protection, aviation systems, propulsion systems, auxiliary mechanical systems, and electrical systems across the range of Royal Australian Navy vessels.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership within the Whole of Ship Directorate, provide technical direction, and operational support to ensure the effective acquisition, deployment, integration, and sustainment of these systems in support of Navy operations and mission objectives.
The role requires significant time and involvement in budget, travel, training, recruitment and staff performance management.
About our Team
The MEA CoE is part of the Directorate of Navy Engineering, within Navy Engineering Branch. Navy Engineering is the trusted entity responsible for the provision of specialist engineering expertise needed to develop, deliver, and sustain maritime capability. The application of this engineering expertise is a critical enabler across the entire lifecycle of maritime assets (cradle to grave) and contributes to the following business outcomes:
- Enable Navy to comprehend and understand the effectiveness of complex technical capabilities that contribute to defence of the nation.
- Identification, quantification & management of risks to acquisition, sustainment and operation of maritime capabilities.
- Knowledge management that captures and maintains technical knowledge (lessons learnt) for efficient and effective use across existing and future programs of work.
We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges. We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. We are committed to our people and ensure they are supported with access to tailored professional pathways.
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in solving complex engineering problems, have deep expertise in a technical discipline complementary to the MEA CoE, and have managed a diverse multi-disciplinary workforce comprising both civilian and military personnel. This includes budget, travel, training, recruitment and staff performance management.
Knowledge in the disciplines represented by the MEA CoE is beneficial, however training is available to those that can demonstrate transferable skills to achieve success. The MEA CoE consists of Cells that specialize in the following disciplines:
Auxiliary and Environmental Protection Systems Cell: potable water, waste water and pollution control, HVAC, lifting appliances and refrigeration systems.
Aviation Cell: landing aids, airflow influences on flight operations, aviation fueling, aircraft protection, ship-board aviation lighting and communications systems, shipborne aviation firefighting and rescue.
Electrical Systems Cell: electrical power generation, electrical protection and electrical safety practices, lighting systems, shore power interfaces.
Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Cell: mechanical systems, propulsion, manoeuvring, engines, turbines, generators, shaft-lines, gear boxes, bearings, hydraulics and fuel supply systems.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 02 July 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference NAVY/02054/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=6F9A36F9-79C1-EE62-0A8B-ED0603FD7FBD