Join BAE Systems as an Algorithms Team Lead in Richmond-Victoria. Play a senior role in developing tactical plans, managing resources, and leading engineering teams for the Nulka programme with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.
Requirements
Mandatory: Tertiary qualification in an Engineering, Software, Mechatronics or related STEM field.
Required: Strong expertise or experience in algorithm product development and sustainment using algorithm engineering technologies.
Required: Understanding of the Engineering Development lifecycle and experience across multiple phases.
Required: Eligibility to hold or obtain an NV1 level Defence security clearance and ITAR clearance.
Desirable: Leadership experience with a small-sized team and working knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, Flight Dynamics modelling, and Autocoding.
Skills & Responsibilities
Algorithm Engineering: Develop and sustain algorithm products using technologies like MATLAB/Simulink and Flight Dynamics modelling to support complex defence systems.
Team Leadership: Manage resources, oversee engineering work packages, handle personnel actions, and guide team members to optimize quality, cost, and schedule.
Process & Architecture: Ensure adherence to architectural principles and tailor engineering processes to meet project constraints without sacrificing best practices.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the PEM, Software Team Lead, and customer technical teams to resolve issues and provide expert technical advice.
Potential transition routes: People from Senior Software Engineer or Technical Specialist roles may bring strong programming and technical design skills, alongside meeting mandatory STEM qualifications and security clearance requirements.
Job description
ALGORITHMS TEAM LEAD
Job Location: Richmond- Victoria – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Role Description:
The Algorithms Team Lead is a senior algorithms architect or technical specialist who develops tactical plans for execution of the technical aspects of their area of responsibility. The Algorithms Team Lead works with the PEM and Software Team Lead to formulate the technical approach to the work to be performed, assigns and manages the resources to execute the work packages. The Algorithms Team Lead monitors progress of the work package and implements corrective actions where necessary. The position involves exercise of engineering judgement within broad and often undefined parameters, in cognisance of the likely effect on the Nulka programme and related activities.
Core Duties:
Responsible for the adherence to the architectural, technological or other principles and approaches established for the project, and commensurate with the project lifecycle stage.
Ensure algorithm engineering processes are tailored to meet needs and constraints of project without sacrificing the best engineering practice, and flowing project best practice back into the broader company.
Lead the engineering team in the realisation of the engineering solution while optimising quality, cost and schedule for the allocated work pack
Lead and proactively manage identification and resolution of issues associated with the execution of engineering activities relevant to Nulka products and in conjunction with customer technical teams.
Handles personnel actions including performance reviews, salary recommendations, and co-ordination of training and development
Provides expert advice to other teams within the project relating to area of expertise, working closely with the Software Team Lead for combined outcomes.
Responsible for defining and maintaining elements of the project’s algorithm engineering plans, and performing algorithm engineering tasks in accordance with those plans.
KEY CRITERIA:
Strong expertise or experience in the development and sustainment of algorithm products using algorithm engineering technologies. A working knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, Flight Dynamics modelling and associated Autocoding practices would be highly valued.
Strong understanding of Engineering Development lifecycle, and experience in multiple phases of the lifecycle.
Experience in selection and implementation of effective engineering tools, infrastructure and process, ensuring technical integrity and quality of algorithm products.
Leadership experience with a small sized team is considered desirable.
Superior communication skills with ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders at all levels.
Tertiary qualification in an Engineering, Software, Mechatronics or related STEM field is considered mandatory.
Eligibility to hold or obtain an NV1 level Defence security clearance and to be cleared for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
The NulkaTeam
Nulka is a rocket-propelled, expendable, offboard, active decoy designed to ‘seduce’ modern anti-ship missiles away from their targets. It is currently deployed on more than 150 Australian, Canadian and United States warships.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.
We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.
Security statement
Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information
