Specialist Communications Engineer

*** Please be aware that Nova Systems will be closed from COB Friday 19th of December and will reopen on Monday 5th of January.  All applications will be responded to as soon as practical thereafter ***

• Voted #8 in Best Places to Work 2024
• Strong company culture
• Australian owned and operated
• Max term contract until 31st Jan 2028

About the role

Nova Systems is seeking a highly specialised Specialist Engineering Consultant (Communications Network Engineering) to support the Surveillance and Reconnaissance SPO (SRSPO) in the acquisition and sustainment of complex, network-integrated Defence capabilities.

This role will lead the development of a management strategy for SRSPO-managed networked systems supporting platforms including P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton, PGS, MCS, Minotaur Hub, Classic Reach Australia and associated DSO sub-systems. The role addresses a critical capability gap, recognising that SRSPO is expanding into network-integrated and network-hosted systems that require ongoing SIE/TSIE integration, governance and sustainment.

This is a max-term consulting role from March 2026 to 31 January 2028. Due to the nature of the work, a TSPV security clearance is mandatory.

What you will be involved with

As a senior Nova consultant embedded within SRSPO, you will lead the development of a comprehensive management strategy for SRSPO-managed networked systems.

This will include:

• Mapping current and future SRSPO-managed network-integrated and network-hosted systems, including information exchanges, interfaces and dependencies
• Identifying and documenting dependencies on external capabilities, services and projects
• Describing current capability delivery, integration and management approaches across acquisition and sustainment
• Identifying management and governance gaps, including the roles of DDG MPI during acquisition and JCG during in-pattern sustainment, and assessing how equivalent services could be provided for SRSPO-managed networks
• Developing and proposing a comprehensive management strategy to address identified gaps, including procedures for network connection approval, configuration control and change management
• Supporting review and endorsement of the strategy by Commonwealth stakeholders

Subject to agreement and Commonwealth direction, the role may also include:

• Supporting delivery of the agreed strategy via an MSP model or preparing handover-to-operate documentation to the Commonwealth
• Supporting market engagement activities and procurement of below-the-line specialist contractors

What we would like from you

You will be a senior specialist engineer with deep experience in Defence communications networks and network-integrated systems, capable of operating at both technical and strategic levels.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Extensive experience in communications network engineering within Defence acquisition and sustainment environments
• Demonstrated experience with network-integrated and network-hosted mission systems, ideally across ISR platforms
• Strong understanding of SIE/TSIE integration, network governance, configuration management and change control
• Experience developing management strategies, frameworks or operating models for complex, multi-stakeholder systems
• The ability to analyse and document complex system dependencies and information flows
• Confidence engaging with senior Defence stakeholders and providing authoritative technical advice
• Experience supporting market engagement or procurement activities for specialist engineering services (highly regarded)

You must be an Australian citizen and hold an active TSPV security clearance.

Life at Nova – it all adds up

With people being our point of difference, we deliver on promises, reward good work, champion professional growth and support flexibility, all within a diverse and inclusive culture that recognises moments that matter.

Life at Nova is our collection of employee benefits, designed to meet the many and varied needs of our people.

Just a few of the great benefits you will have access to are:

• Flexibility: We promote a culture that encourages and enables flexible ways of working that support our people
• Dress For Your Day: We empower our people to determine their outfit for the activities of the day which allows for personal expression that builds trust
• Reward & Recognition Program: Offering exclusive discounts from hundreds of major retailers, helping you to save on groceries, petrol, holidays, and more
• Employee Assistance Program: for employees and family members
• Annual Nova employee engagement: Great way to connect more broadly and strengthen your internal networks and have some fun
• Wellbeing Hub with access to health and fitness content
• Free Flu Vaccination annually
• An inclusive, collaborative, and supportive culture
• Social activities throughout the year, we even dress up at times, think Safari – we don't like to take ourselves too seriously

Nova Systems does not accept any recruitment agency solicitation.

Nova Systems is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels safe, valued, and included, where our people are our point of difference.

Nova Systems respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters in which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Nova Systems also acknowledges the services of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have contributed to defending Australia and its national interests.

To find out more about our commitment to Reconciliation, please visit our website.

Veteran

Nova Systems is a Veteran Employment Supporter of the Veteran Employment Program. We value the skills Veterans bring and encourage Veterans and Defence partners to apply. Nova supports our Veterans through reserve leave and top-up pay entitlements. No need to tailor the use of Defence language in your resume, we prefer to see this however, please let us know if you need support with your application. We also ensure all applications receive a response and feedback when appropriate.

ITAR

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian Citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. To learn more, please visit: 

NOVA SYSTEMS

Nova Systems is Australia's largest privately-owned Defence company with global reach. We are leaders in capability assurance and systems integration solving complex challenges in innovative ways.

We are relied on to develop and test capabilities critical to national security and safety. We are trusted to integrate mission systems solutions and develop software and products that protect lives every day.

For 25 years, Nova has brought a different perspective. From national Defence and essential services to border control and cyber security, these are the challenges we partner with our clients to anticipate, understand, and solve. We have strategically located offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, and Singapore.

But what makes Nova Systems truly unique, is our people. Nova Systems is where the best and brightest minds come together to challenge, collaborate, and innovate. At Nova Systems, we see things differently.