Director of Engineering

Alkath Group seeks expressions of interest from accomplished engineering executives ready to lead a dynamic engineering team in shaping innovative designs and delivering technical solutions that drive competitive advantage.

Seeking a sea change? This exciting opportunity is located in the beautiful Shoalhaven, just 2 hours from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra. The Shoalhaven offers an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance, and Alkath Group is committed to supporting this by offering a 9-day fortnight.

We are enthusiastic about the prospect of working with an individual who shares our commitment to excellence and is excited to contribute to the success of our growing operations. If you are interested in being part of our company's story, we look forward to receiving your expression of interest.

About Us:

The Alkath Group is a diverse defence and aerospace business creating meaningful and innovative solutions that help Australia's defence, space and emergency service communities perform to the best of their ability.  Across our companies, we design and manufacture a range of bespoke deployable infrastructure solutions as well as support defence to optimise the performance, value, and sustainment of their critical electromagnetic warfare systems. Our companies include Global Defence Solutions, Mellori Solutions and Resilience Logistics Solutions. We are a team of 90 and have office locations in QLD, SA & NSW.

We are recognised as a leading defence SME and key partner within the Australian defence industry, featuring at #13 on ADM's top 20 ANZ Defence SME's List for 2023.

About the Job:

As the Director of Engineering and Support Services, you will oversee a multidisciplinary engineering team, steering them towards innovative, cost-effective designs that align with Alkath Group's strategic objectives. You'll lead the delivery of technical Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) support services, ensuring valuable end-user insights are captured to inform future product development.

This pivotal executive leadership role combines engineering expertise with strategic vision, offering a unique opportunity to contribute directly to Alkath's growth and success.

The Engineering & Support Services team consists of approximately 20 high performing engineers and technicians with backgrounds in Electronics, RF, Software, Firmware, Mechanical, Systems and Structural Engineering.

As the Director of Engineering & Support Services you will form part of Alkath Group's Executive Leadership Team consisting of: Managing Director, Director of Operations & Program Delivery, Director of People, Culture & Safety, Director of Finance & Commercial, and Director of Strategy & Business Development.

NB: This role was previously advertised in January, however, due to the preferred candidate withdrawing, no appointment was made and we decided to place the recruitment on hold. Due to the importance and influence of this position we are taking particular care to ensure any candidates considered have strong technical and leadership skills, as well as high levels of self-awareness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver engineering strategies aligned with Alkath's best-cost provider approach.
• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle, driving designs from concept to TRL 9.
• Lead the provision of technical support services, capturing operational insights for product innovation.
• Manage and mentor multi-discipline engineering and technical teams, fostering high performance and engagement.
• Provide technical contributions to bids, tenders and proposals
• Be the primary point of contact for technical matters when communicating with customers and suppliers
• Supervise complex projects from initiation to delivery, leveraging methodologies like Agile and Scrum
• Ensure alignment of engineering activities with business objectives and compliance with industry standards
• Undertake R&D project planning, including the development of schedules and budgets and making R&D tax rebate recommendations.
• Establish and oversee change control and configuration management.
• Develop, document and maintain fit-for-purpose QA processes aligned with industry best practices
• Maintain excellent and complimentary relationships with other departments, including BD and Marketing, and Operations ensuring strategic and practical alignment.

About You:

We are looking for a pragmatic, positive and self-aware leader who embraces innovation and makes a conscious effort to promote team work and set an example for others.

Essential

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering (or related field)
• Chartered Professional Engineer status
• Current Australian Government Security Clearance, or willingness to obtain
• At least 10 years' experience in a senior leadership role within an engineering or technical environment
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Altium) and PDM software (e.g., Windchill)
• Demonstrated experience with R&D projects, efficient product design, and lifecycle management
• Proven capability in mentoring teams and managing performance
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering complex product-related projects, where mechanical, electrical and software disciplines are involved from inception to delivery

Desirable

• Deep understanding of the Defence Industry, particularly within the Electromagnetic Warfare sector

Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Vehicle allowance
• Company mobile phone
• Relocation payment
• Performance bonus program
• 9-day fortnight
• Bonus Annual Leave days
• Paid Reservists Leave
• Employee Assistance Program

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed as received.

For enquiries, email Director of People, Culture & Safety, Heather