Test and Trials Planning Lead

Job Description

At BAE Systems Australia

• Do interesting work that MATTERS
• ENJOY what you do
• GROW your career
• Be YOU

We work in a thriving sector – one that puts us at the forefront of exciting and meaningful work. Every day we push boundaries to produce some of the world’s most innovative and ground breaking technology. Individually we all contribute to our success. Collectively we make the impossible possible.

Recognised for delivering projects of global and national significance that help keep Australia safe, it is our shared passion that shapes our culture, and our people that make it a great place to work.

About the OPPORTUNITY

The Combat System (CS) Test and Trials Planning Lead reports directly to the DDG Waterfront Operations Lead and is a core, high-impact member of the CSI-IPT DDG Production and Test Team (P&TT).

This role is based in Adelaide or Melbourne with ability to routinely travel to Adelaide however will need to be in Adelaide between Q3 2026 until November 2027.

This key role is accountable for the strategic planning, coordination, and orchestration of all internal and external resources required to execute test and trial activities. The Lead manages high-complexity tasks across related functional areas and directly contributes to defining strategic goals and driving program outcomes.

This position requires assurance that all operations are conducted with strict adherence to the CSI-IPT DDG Test and Production Team’s Integrated Schedule, established project procedures, and defined work processes.

More specifically, you will be

• Accountable for the oversight and strategic direction of all Combat System test and trials planning within the CSI-IPT DDG Production and Test Team (P&TT).
• Direct and manage the comprehensive planning and scheduling of all Combat System test and trial activities.
• Lead development, maintenance, and implementation of the integrated Production and Test schedules, plans, and documentation that align objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Lead co-ordination and integration of Test planning artefacts including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Government Furnished Material (GFM) and or commissioning activities into the CS Test Sequence Network (TSN) and CS Test Form Index (TFI).
• Lead planning, identification, and coordination of Commonwealth assets, personnel and test equipment required to support the CS P&TT and or formal CS HAT and SAT test activities.
• Lead co-ordination of CS P&TT and Trials resources required to support CS and Platform HAT and SAT activities including co-ordination support of any on-board speciality test activities (i.e., alignment, transverse and or certification test activities).
• Serve as the primary CS P&TT and Trials planning liaison with Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) Program stakeholders and the Naval Construction Branch (NCB) waterfront test and platform test and commissioning teams, facilitating communication, meetings, workshops, working groups, mandated system review support and ensuring prompt resolution of cross-team issues and dependencies.
• Identify, assess, and manage any Combat P&TT and Trials risks, issues, and opportunities ensuring mitigation strategies are developed, implemented, and escalated as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned from CS P&TT and Trials activities, sharing best practices, and implementing process enhancements to strengthen collaboration and programme outcomes.

About YOU

• Engineering professional with demonstrated experience within a project orientated organisation.
• Exposure to Project Management methodologies and principles of project planning, scheduling, project controls and Earned Value Management (EVM) is desirable.
• Proven, in-depth experience within a Defence acquisition or sustainment environment, demonstrating successful involvement with complex system integration, risk management, and large-scale program governance.
• Substantial experience leading activities in a waterfront operations, production, maintenance, or integrated systems test and trials environment, specifically with complex naval or military technology.
• Degree qualified is desirable (Engineering, Project Management, or Business preferable).
• Defence security clearance or eligibility to obtain
• Eligibility to be cleared for International Traffic In Arms (ITAR) regulations

We believe in hiring for potential, we know that some candidates hesitate if they don’t tick all the boxes. If this role interests you, but you don’t meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

About US

You will be joining a workplace that truly cares about your wellbeing.

Our people are diverse and we value the variety of perspectives this brings, we know that a culture that is inclusive and fosters a sense of belonging is a place we can all make the most of our unique talents and be our best.

As Australia’s largest defence company in a rapidly growing sector, you will be connected into a global team and encouraged to explore where your career might take you whether that is a traditional career path or squiggly one, there are infinite possibilities for you at BAE Systems Australia.

We welcome applicants from all people regardless of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, pregnancy, age, or other lived experience; and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for all positions.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180.

As a member of the Circle Back Initiative we commit to respond to every applicant

To learn more about our competitive employee benefits, flexibility, other employment opportunities and what to expect from our recruitment process please visit: www.baesystemscareers.com.au

Clearances

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 appropriate clearances.

Further information regarding security clearances.