Description:
The key duties of the position include:
The Role
Duties and key result areas:
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams in the conduct of S&T related to low TRL warhead and effects concepts and technologies, and delivers specialised capabilities in areas including materials characterisation, computational modelling, high-speed data acquisition and detonation physics.
- Lead a team to provide knowledge transfer and subject matter expert advice to ADF and other Australian Government agencies on matters relating to warhead and effects concepts and technologies.
- Lead participation in cooperative research and development programs with universities, industry and international partners in order to enhance relevant DST Group capabilities.
- Liaise with industry and academia to develop productive partnerships, overseeing R&D contracts and fostering the innovation ecosystem. Supervise professional and technical S&T staff, contractors and students in the NWEM Discipline, provide leadership and oversight of the team’s work program, and effectively manage and develop NWEM resources.
The Advanced Warhead Technologies (AWT) group undertakes fundamental and applied research focused on novel warhead concepts for advanced weapon systems and emerging and disruptive energetic materials technologies. The primary specialisations of engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science and electronics are utilised to develop and characterise explosive ingredients and formulations, investigate initiation and detonation phenomena and design, model, prototype and characterise novel warheads and their effects. Understanding the behaviour of materials at high strain-rates, developing and utilising novel high-speed instrumentation and the manufacture of explosive charges and warhead prototypes are also capabilities within this group. Our expertise is applied to the introduction into service and through life support of guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and to enhancing sovereign capability in GWEO development, manufacture, evaluation and sustainment.
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Discipline Leader - Novel Warhead Experimentation & Modelling position is a seasoned leader and subject matter expert with extensive experience in warhead technologies, materials characterisation, high-speed data acquisition, detonation physics, and physics-based modelling. They should possess a proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams in delivering high-impact solutions to defence-related problems through a combination of experimentation and modelling. The candidate should have excellent communication and relationship-building skills to effectively liaise with key stakeholders, including Defence clients, industry partners, and international collaborators. They should also have experience in supervising and mentoring staff, and be able to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team. A strong focus on safety and quality research practices is essential, along with the ability to manage resources effectively.
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
Mandatory Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in relevant science, mathematics, or engineering discipline
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. 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 offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers