Engineering Program Manager

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Program Manager to join our growing team in Canberra.

The role demands demonstrated expertise in engineering process, governance and program management within large infrastructure programs, delivering trusted advisory support at Band 1 to DEPSEC level within NSSG, and leading technical assurance across design engineering activities.

What you will be involved in: 

The Manager leads engineering project management for Nova as part of the Maritime team, playing a critical role in the smooth operation across the construction and sustainment phase of large and complex projects/programs. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic engineering and program management advice to senior stakeholders up to Band 1 and DEPSEC level within NSSG. 
• Lead and assure engineering process, governance and compliance across large, complex infrastructure programs. 
• Establish and maintain engineering governance frameworks, including technical assurance, design reviews and decision‑making processes. 
• Oversee and guide a design engineering technical assurance team, ensuring fit‑for‑purpose outcomes and adherence to agreed standards. 
• Drive integration between engineering, program controls, schedule, cost and risk management functions. 
• Ensure engineering activities align with program objectives, capability outcomes and Defence governance requirements. 
• Provide independent technical and engineering assurance, identifying risks, gaps and remediation actions. 
• Support senior decision‑making through clear, evidence‑based reporting, briefs and recommendations. 
• Engage effectively with Commonwealth stakeholders, industry partners and internal delivery teams to ensure alignment and transparency. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices, governance maturity and delivery performance.

What we would like from you: 

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering process and governance within large, complex infrastructure or Defence programs. 
• Proven program management experience delivering across multi‑disciplinary engineering environments, including schedule, risk and assurance. 
• Experience providing senior‑level advisory support to executive stakeholders (SES/Band 1 and above). 
• Strong background in technical assurance and oversight of engineering design teams, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and standards.
• Experience operating in high‑tempo, complex information or systems environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, maintenance, operations and support functions
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management (or similar)
• NV1 Clearance is required for this role 

Please note: This role is based in Canberra. For interstate candidates interested in relocation, relocation assistance will be available to the successful applicant in line with our policy and longer-term employment options based on relocation return. 

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: 

• Generous Parental Leave: Primary Carers receive 20 weeks paid leave; Partner Carers receive 4 weeks. Full superannuation contributions for up to 52 weeks 
• Professional and Personal Development: Up to $5,000 per year of allowance with PD leave included. Up to $750 per year can be used towards wellbeing such as a gym membership or assets related to well-being activities 
• Additional Leave: Ranges from - Reserve, Loyalty, Emergency Services, Purchased (up to 2 weeks), and Community Service 
• 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 
• Access to Defence Health and Travel Insurance 
• Free Flu Vaccination annually 
• Novated Leasing and Salary Sacrifice 
• Nova Employee Company Share Offer 
• 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! 

You can view the full range of benefits at https://www.novasystems.com/au/careers/life-at-nova-systems 

APPLY NOW 
Alternatively for a confidential discussion, please contact Joanne Burns in the Nova Talent Acquisition Team on (08) 8252 7100. 
 
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: www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances 

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.