Reliability Engineering Lead

About the Role

BAE Systems is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Reliability Engineering Lead to join the Hunter Class Frigate Program, a landmark initiative in Australia’s defence industry. This pivotal role will be based at our state-of-the-art naval shipyard in Osborne, South Australia, or our Melbourne office in Bourke Street. The successful candidate will play a critical part in shaping the future of naval defence by leading the development of the reliability case for the entire ship, ensuring alignment with availability, reliability, and maintainability (ARM) requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic, cross-functional team while contributing to the largest surface ship project in Australia’s defence history.

Key Responsibilities

As the Reliability Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for a range of high-impact duties, including:

• Developing the Reliability Case: Producing a comprehensive brief of evidence to demonstrate compliance with the ship’s ARM requirements, ensuring the vessel meets operational readiness and performance standards.
• Leading Reliability Analysis: Creating Reliability Block Diagrams (RBDs) to facilitate ARM analysis, identifying critical system dependencies, and assessing failure modes to enhance overall reliability.
• Program Integration: Collaborating with the broader Support Systems and Integrated Product Support teams to integrate the reliability engineering program with the Logistics Support Analysis Record (LSAR) and other support systems.
• Stakeholder Management: Engaging with a diverse range of technical and non-technical stakeholders, including engineers, program managers, and senior leadership, to align reliability objectives with program goals. This role requires exceptional communication and conflict-resolution skills to influence decision-making and drive consensus.
• Team Leadership: Guiding a team of reliability engineering analysts, fostering a collaborative environment, and developing their technical and leadership capabilities to meet program milestones.
• Strategic Planning: Assisting in the planning and execution of the reliability engineering program within an acquisition context, ensuring alignment with Defence Acquisition standards and industry best practices.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging reliability metrics, data reporting, and industry benchmarks to inform strategic decisions and optimise system performance.

Your Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, with a strong foundation in reliability engineering principles.
• Proven experience in Availability, Reliability, and Maintainability (ARM) analysis, preferably within a Defence Acquisition Program, demonstrating a deep understanding of reliability modelling and failure analysis.
• Proficiency in data reporting, reliability metrics, and industry best practices, with the ability to translate complex technical data into actionable insights.
• A solid grasp of engineering standards and systems engineering principles, including familiarity with reliability prediction methods, failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), and reliability growth modelling.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, communicate, and resolve conflicts effectively. You will be expected to develop into a people leader, mentoring a small team of analysts and engineers.
• Eligibility for a Defence security clearance and the ability to obtain ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) clearance, ensuring compliance with national and international security protocols.

Why Join BAE Systems?

At BAE Systems, we are committed to fostering a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven work thrive. As a Reliability Engineering Lead, you will benefit from:

• Career Growth: Opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development, and career progression in a globally recognised organisation.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements, tailored rewards, and support for financial and personal wellbeing to help you achieve a balanced lifestyle.
• Inclusive Culture: A supportive and diverse workplace where every voice is valued, and collaboration is encouraged. We are dedicated to building an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background.
• Meaningful Impact: The chance to contribute to projects that shape national security and protect communities, working on cutting-edge solutions in defence, aerospace, and security.
• Recognition and Rewards: Competitive remuneration packages, performance-based incentives, and recognition for your contributions to the organisation’s success.

Location and Travel

This role is primarily based at our naval shipyard in Osborne, South Australia, or our Melbourne office in Bourke Street. While remote applicants may be considered, they must be willing to travel to Adelaide or Melbourne at least once a month to attend meetings, collaborate with the team, and ensure alignment with program objectives.

If you are passionate about reliability engineering and eager to lead a transformative project in Australia’s defence industry, we invite you to apply and become part of a team that is shaping the future of naval defence.