Engineering Operations Manager

Executive Level 2 (S&T Level 7)
$142,470 - $160,330 (plus super)
Edinburgh – SA

The Role
We are looking for a highly skilled Engineering Operations Manager to fill the role of Group Leader Research Engineering Operations (GLREO), to lead the efficient and effective delivery of Research Engineering’s complex and highly advanced integrated program of work.

GLREO provides significant leadership to RE’s Discipline and Section Leaders, and with a high degree of independence, is accountable for leading the interrelationship with the Defence S&T Program, and providing the guidance, direction and collaboration necessary to ensure RE capability and delivery. GLREO will engage significantly across the Defence S&T ecosystem to understand client priorities and associated requirements, and transpose these into a well-planned and executed program of work, collaborating with DST researchers to deliver product to Defence and National Security clients.

They will ensure that RE resources (people and funding) are applied to negotiated and carefully balanced priority activities and demonstrate flexibility to adjust work plans where necessary; this includes both long-term research and capability, as well as rapid deployment to the Defence Force in theatre. Through RE’s Program Manager (PM), GLREO is responsible for RE’s integration into DST’s corporate Project and Program Management environment (Microsoft Project and Sharepoint hybrid). They are also responsible for balancing the allocation of RE’s finite resources across DST’s research divisions.

The GLREO is responsible for RE’s Engineering Management System and its application to the branch’s program of work. They coordinate RE’s complex resources to achieve successful outcomes as measured by Key Performance Indicators of the branch’s ISO9001 Quality Management System.  They are the authority to initiate projects and exercise significant discretion on project prioritisation across RE’s portfolio. They exercise professional judgement in recognising project priorities and dynamically adjust program of work to solve highly complex technical and organisational issues.

About our Team
Research Services Division (RSD) has a workforce of engineers, technicians, computer scientists and other professional staff who deliver a wide range of highly specialised research capabilities and innovative solutions which underpin the operational capability of DST. RSD’s work areas undertake a broad, on demand and dynamic array of functions to keep DST at the forefront of research and development. RSD’s work areas include:

• digital science, scientific computing and DST’s eResearch strategy;
• development and acquisition of a world-class secure High Performance Computing (HPC) capability for advanced modelling and simulation;
• nationally recognised and unique research engineering capabilities;
• specialised research safety, resource management and security services to assure sovereign S&T capabilities for Defence; and,
• development and implementation of DST’s research infrastructure strategy.

Research Engineering
RE provide professional and advanced manufacturing to DST to enable delivery of products, prototypes and models for research, development and experimentation. RE fuses talented professional engineering and technical staff with world’s best design software and cutting edge fabrication capabilities. Through design, fabrication and prototyping, RE facilitates the transition of applied research to industry for production of military capability.

Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to lead an engineering group and apply innovative engineering and technical knowledge to achieve challenging outcomes.

They will be able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and inspire a positive culture. They will be able to build and maintain effective professional networks and relationships with clients and stakeholders across DST/Defence, industry, academia and other research agencies to lead the allocation of RE’s resources to support the implementation of the Defence S&T Strategy.

The right person for this role will show flexibility and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing technological environment and preferably hold a Bachelor of Engineering or higher from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 5 November, 2020

For further information, please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/04559/20 on www.defence.gov.au/apscareers