Role summary: Join a landmark international programme at the forefront of the AUKUS partnership and help shape the future of one of the most significant defence infrastructure projects in Australia's history. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering complex engineering solutions in Adelaide, South Australia. Supported throughout a fully funded 2–3 year secondment, this is an opportunity to broaden your expertise, expand your professional network, and enhance skills that will accelerate your career. Must be willing to relocate to Adelaide.
 

What you will be doing:

• Demonstrable experience delivering systems engineering activities on major infrastructure, defence, nuclear, maritime, or industrial programmes, with a strong understanding of how complex systems are integrated through design, construction, commissioning, and handover.

• Proven experience managing and maintaining requirements baselines, ensuring stakeholder, operational, safety, and regulatory requirements are effectively captured, traced, verified, and validated throughout the project lifecycle.

• Practical expertise in requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS, DOORS Next, Jama Connect, Polarion, or equivalent systems engineering platforms.

• Working knowledge of recognised systems engineering frameworks and standards, including ISO 15288, the Systems Engineering V-Model, INCOSE methodologies, or equivalent lifecycle management approaches.

• Experience leading or facilitating systems integration reviews, design assurance activities, and engineering change processes within complex project environments.

• Ability to assess and manage the impact of design changes across multiple technical disciplines, maintaining configuration control and ensuring alignment with programme requirements.

• Experience operating within regulated or safety-critical industries, including defence, nuclear, transportation, energy, aerospace, or other environments subject to stringent governance and assurance requirements.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex systems engineering concepts to technical and non-technical audiences and influence decision-making at senior levels.

• Previous experience supporting large-scale maritime, naval, shipyard, dockyard, or defence infrastructure projects would be advantageous.

• Familiarity with the AUKUS programme, defence estate infrastructure, or international collaborative programmes involving multiple government and industry stakeholders would be beneficial.

Formal qualifications or training:

• Degree-qualified in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related engineering discipline (BEng, MEng, or equivalent demonstrable experience).

• Minimum of 10 years' experience applying systems engineering principles within complex infrastructure, defence, industrial, or safety-critical environments.

• Professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) through a recognised engineering institution, or demonstrable progress towards chartership.

• Formal training or recognised qualifications in Systems Engineering, INCOSE practices, requirements management, or equivalent disciplines would be advantageous.

• Demonstrable experience using industry-standard requirements management and systems engineering tools, including DOORS, Jama Connect, Polarion, or equivalent.

• Existing UK Security Check (SC) clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain clearance, is highly desirable.

• Ability to satisfy Australian project security requirements. Australian NV1 clearance is not required for initial deployment, although it may become advantageous for individuals seeking longer-term opportunities or permanent residency pathways in Australia.

• Willingness to relocate to Adelaide, South Australia, for the duration of the 2–3 year international secondment and work within an integrated, multidisciplinary project environment supporting the delivery of the AUKUS programme.

Make a Difference with DBD:

At DBD, we know you're looking for more than just a job - you aspire to make a real impact in the nuclear industry. We offer unique opportunities for growth, empowering you to take influential roles within client organisations.

Our dedicated team collaborates with clients to positively influence projects across Defence, Decommissioning and New Builds. Having doubled in headcount year-on-year, over the past two years, we continue to welcome new, talented individuals to our team.

We're committed to your success. DBD invests in your development and supports your career trajectory in any direction you want to take it.

Join us to play a key role in shaping the nuclear sector's future.

Make a difference today with DBD.

Benefits: up to 20% bonus, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private health insurance, private dental, and more