Defence is committed to supporting workplace flexibility. Please contact the contact officer for further details.
Merit list/pools and how they will be used
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.
This merit list/pool may be used to fill other vacancies in Edinburgh.
The Role
The role is centred on leading the design, development, manufacture and characterisation of mission-specific, military-relevant cast composite solid rocket propellant and solid fuels, and conducting innovation S&T to improve propellants, pre-cursor materials and industrialisable manufacturing methods to deliver system level performance advantage.
Given the tightly coupled nature of rocket motor and propulsion system design and development, the candidate will be required to identify and lead the development of propulsion material technology strategies to ensure the viability of integrated rocket motor and broader propulsion system designs. Central to this will be the ability of the successful candidate to work closely with a broad multi-disciplinary team.
The ability to satisfy the above tasks will require the ability to:
1. Propose innovative solutions to emerging challenges, including new ingredients, processing conditions or processes.
2. Lead work packages and/or small teams of multi-disciplinary professionals to solve technical and scientific challenges as they emerge.
3. Operate laboratory and pilot-scale equipment for the manufacture of cast propellant formulations.
4. Conduct and oversee the characterisation testing of a range of propellant formulations and rocket motor material interfaces to characterise chemical, mechanical, rheological and ballistic properties; analysis of raw ingredients, both energetic and inert, including techniques such as particle size, purity, reactivity and thermo-mechanical properties.
About our Team
Missile and Space Propulsion STC has an end-to-end capability encapsulating propulsion system utility assessments; theoretical design and optimisation; materials development & characterisation (both inert and energetic); through to sub-system and integrated rocket motor development, integration and testing.
We apply this end-to-end capability in support of broader Defence in the context of ensuring the ongoing safe and reliable deployment of the ADF’s guided weapon inventory, and also to develop novel propulsion systems to deliver step changes in performance for future systems, including as part of co-development.
Our Ideal Candidate
In addition to the requirements articulated in the role statement, the successful candidate will:
1. Have extensive knowledge of, and demonstrated hands-on experience with, cast composite rocket propellants and associated pre-cursor materials, and rocket propellant manufacturing and characterisation methods.
2. Be a self-starter with high levels of initiative and attention to detail.
3. Be able to operate in, and where required, lead multi-disciplinary and diverse teams of professionals with minimal direction.
4. Have an ability to engage effectively with broader Defence, Industry and academia and communicate via clear and effective oral and written means.
5. Have a willingness to work with energetic materials that are inherently hazardous, and have a demonstrated commitment to the need for adherence to associated safety procedures.
6. Be willing to participate in laboratory and field trials and experiments, in some cases involving remote locations.
7. Be comfortable working in a high-tempo, results-driven environment.
Security Clearance
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
Mandatory Qualifications
Bachelor or higher university qualification in relevant field of science/engineering (e.g., Chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science), or relevant demonstrated experience in the field.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers.
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