System Engineering Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Thales Australia’s Secure Communications & Information Systems (SIX) business is a strategic domain delivering sovereign, secure capabilities to the Australian Defence Force.

The SIX business has existing capabilities and proven credentials with the Australian customer in the following three market sectors:

Secure Communications: Providing resilient tactical radios, combat net radio systems, and cryptographic equipment.

Information Systems: Delivering command, control, and digital infrastructure to connect land, sea, and air forces.

Cyber and Digital: Integrating secure data networks and advanced security operations.

Located in Western Sydney's Rydalmere, on Darug land, your role purpose will be-

Lead engineering project delivery, driving execution success from early planning through commissioning

Coordinate cross-functional teams, aligning engineering, stakeholders, and delivery partners to ensure safety, schedule, and budget are met

Drive delivery discipline in a matrix organisation and optimise resources, support productivity, and embed delivery excellence

Track and control performance, monitor progress against scope, timeline, budget, and quality

Support bids with developing Scope of Work documentation and provide technical support to bid activities

Demonstrate strong delivery practices, governance, and engineering standards throughout the lifecycle

On day one, you will bring:

Proven experience delivering end-to-end through the System Engineering Lifecycle, with strong capability in technical project delivery and management

Experienced working in matrix-style organisations, with sound alignment to ASDEFCON standards and disciplined engineering governance

Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams, driving outcomes across planning, execution, and delivery

Working knowledge of Earned Value Management

Degree-qualified in Engineering (Communications, Computing, Electronics or related discipline preferred)

As part of our commitment, we offer:

Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

Recognised leader in reservist employee support

Veterans Leave

Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Novated Lease options

Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

Personal & professional training development opportunities

Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

And much more!

Good to Know

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community . We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.