Discipline Leader

Discipline Leader - Power and Energy Electrical Systems Department of Defence – Fishermans Bend VIC Are you an experienced electrical engineer ready to take the next step—guiding innovation, supporting others to grow, and making a meaningful contribution to Australia’s Defence capability? As the Discipline Leader for Electrical Systems, you will enable a multidisciplinary team of APS staff, embedded contractors, and collaborators to deliver advanced research and in‑service support to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). You will help set the strategic direction of the Discipline’s research and development programs, contributing to priority Defence initiatives including submarines (conventional and nuclear), autonomous platforms, and the electrification of land platforms and bases. Working in partnership with the Group Leader, you will shape the team’s culture, coordinate activities, and ensure the team’s work is aligned with Defence outcomes. You will foster a team environment built on trust, inclusion, and shared success—where diverse perspectives are valued and every team member is supported to achieve their best. This role is eligible for an Individual Flexibility Arrangement, which allows Defence to provide additional remuneration to the base salary and/or the variation of other conditions provided for in the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA). For further information, please contact the contact officer. About our Team Defence Science and Technology Group’s Power and Energy Group is at the forefront of innovation and transforming military technology. Our innovative research spans the full spectrum of powertrain systems—from advanced energy generation and electric propulsion to cutting‑edge battery technologies. Right now, we’re focused on developing safe, high‑capacity battery systems and refining electric motor performance and control for autonomous platforms and submarines. These efforts are paving the way for smarter, more sustainable Defence capabilities. Our team is a vibrant, multi‑disciplinary collective of scientists and engineers who are passionate about pushing scientific boundaries. Whether it’s designing the next generation of underwater platforms or conducting large‑scale testing in our world‑class labs or in the field, we’re shaping the future of Defence with bold ideas and collaborative energy. Our Ideal Candidate Defence Science and Technology Group is committed to developing its people and will support you through tailored training and development to become a subject‑matter expert in power and energy electrical systems. You will have significant practical and numerical research experience, including but not limited to: Electric motor performance, modelling and control. Hybrid and distributed power architectures. Digital engineering and simulation. Energy storage and management. Electrification of crewed and uncrewed platforms. You will bring: A strong foundation in electrical systems and a passion for applying science to real‑world challenges. Experience guiding multidisciplinary teams and fostering inclusive, high‑performing cultures. Strategic thinking and the ability to align research with national priorities. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate a compelling Science & Technology (S&T) vision. A commitment to mentoring others and creating opportunities for professional development. Eligibility Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”. Mandatory qualifications: The S&T6/EL2 Discipline Leader – Platform Systems position requires either academic qualifications in one or more of the following related fields of research, or relevant skills and work experience: Academic qualifications in relevant fields. Relevant skills and work experience. ANZSRC Fields of Research 2020 (referred to for competition purposes): Division 31 – Biological Sciences 3199 Other Biological Sciences Division 34 – Chemical Sciences 3403 Macromolecular & Materials Chemistry Division 40 – Engineering 4001 Aerospace Engineering 4015 Maritime Engineering 4016 Materials Engineering 4017 Mechanical Engineering 4099 Other Engineering Division 46 – Information & Computing Sciences 4602 Artificial Intelligence Division 49 – Mathematical Sciences 4901 Applied Mathematics Division 51 – Physical Sciences 5103 Classical Physics 5104 Condensed Matter Physics Getting to know the Department of Defence The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles across the country—enabling the Navy, Army, and Air Force to do their jobs. Defence offers career opportunities that are challenging, unique, and rewarding. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists, and contract managers, to name a few. We provide professional development, work‑life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive environment, and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence, please visit Be careful – don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don’t transfer money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr