Head of Discipline - Systems Engineering

About the role

At Saab Australia, we design, integrate and sustain advanced defence systems that support national security and sovereign capability. As our engineering capability continues to grow, we are seeking a Head of Discipline – Systems Engineering to lead and evolve one of the organisation’s most critical technical communities.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping the systems engineering capability across the business — ensuring the organisation has the right people, processes, and practices to deliver complex defence programs now and into the future.

This is a key leadership role within a complex defence environment, offering the opportunity to shape technical strategy, influence sustainment outcomes, and lead high-performing systems engineering teams.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Head of Discipline – Systems Engineering plays an important role in ensuring Saab’s systems engineering capability remains aligned with business strategy, defence industry best practice, and emerging technology trends.

You will lead the development of discipline capability across the organisation while providing technical governance and guidance across major programs, bids and engineering initiatives.

This role requires a strong combination of technical credibility, people leadership, and strategic capability development, supporting both delivery outcomes and long-term organisational growth.

Key Responsibilities:

People & Capability Development:

• Lead the development and growth of the Systems Engineering discipline across the organisation
• Identify future capability and competency needs aligned to Saab’s strategic direction
• Support recruitment, workforce planning, and succession planning across the discipline
• Drive mentoring, coaching and professional development within the engineering community
• Maintain discipline competency frameworks and career pathways for systems engineers

Processes & Methods:

• Ensure the organisation maintains robust systems engineering processes aligned to Saab policies and industry best practice
• Guide the adoption and consistent application of systems engineering frameworks across projects and programs
• Support the selection and deployment of engineering tools and methods used within the discipline
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen engineering capability and delivery outcomes

Technical Practice & Governance

• Provide governance and oversight of systems engineering practices across programs, tenders and engineering activities
• Participate in engineering reviews and provide specialist discipline guidance to projects where required
• Review and approve discipline plans, work packages and engineering estimates
• Provide expert consulting support to projects experiencing technical or process challenges

Industry Leadership:

• Represent Saab in relevant defence and engineering industry forums
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends and systems engineering practices
• Contribute to the broader engineering leadership team alongside the Chief Engineer and other Heads of Discipline

About you

You are an experienced engineering leader with deep expertise in systems engineering and a strong track record delivering complex defence programs. You are comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and are passionate about developing engineering capability and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

You bring the credibility and influence required to lead a community of highly capable engineers while supporting critical project delivery outcomes.

Skills & Experience

• Recognised expert within Systems Engineering with broad defence or complex engineering experience
• Extensive experience across the full Systems Engineering lifecycle
• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale engineering programs involving multidisciplinary teams
• Strong leadership experience including mentoring, coaching and performance management
• Experience developing or implementing engineering processes, tools and capability frameworks
• Strong business and organisational acumen within complex engineering environments
• Proven ability to influence, guide and support technical teams across multiple projects
• Experience leading organisational improvement or change initiatives
• Ability to represent the organisation in industry and customer forums

Technical Knowledge

• Proficient understanding of systems engineering principles and ASDEFCON environments
• Knowledge of military system integration and network / network security concepts

Personal Attributes

You will bring:

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to balance operational delivery and long-term objectives
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Confidence operating in complex, high-stake stakeholder environments
• A collaborative, accountable and values-driven leadership style
• Alignment with Saab values of Trust, Drive and Expertise

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

• Degree in Engineering or related discipline
• Eligibility for Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent professional accreditation
• Membership or eligibility for Engineers Australia or relevant professional body

As Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an NV1 clearance.

About us

Saab Australia is a defence, security and cyber solutions provider, specialising in the development and integration of major defence and security systems. For over 30 years in Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering complex systems integration projects that provide proven and advanced capabilities to keep us ahead of today’s challenges.

From combat, communications, security and underwater systems to mixed reality, cyber security and deployable health solutions, our extensive portfolio of products and services provide high-technology solutions for defence forces and civil industries across the globe.

Apply today to join our crew and deliver solutions with purpose.

Culture and benefits

We employ over 1000 Australians and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and enriching the employee experience.

By joining Saab, you’ll be a part of a collaborative and supportive organisation, where your professional growth and work-life balance are emphasised.  You’ll work within an innovative and vibrant workplace, while having the opportunity to develop a long-term, fulfilling career.

As a valued team member of Saab Australia, you’ll access a variety of perks and benefits to support you and your family including:

• 6 weeks paid leave each year
• 14% Superannuation
• Free Income Protection Insurance
• Flexible working options
• Access to the Saab shares matching scheme
• Access to MySaab; our online store offering everything from cash back at hundreds of stores to discounts from exclusive partners

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent:

https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

Applications

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV and cover letter in support of your application. Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and in exceptional circumstances, the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement. We encourage applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

By submitting an application to Saab, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities including, but not limited to:  reference checks, Australian Federal Police check, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening and a pre-employment medical declaration.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Saab Australia is a nationally recognised Veteran Employer of Choice and welcomes the interest of ex-service members, veterans and their families