Combat System Architecture Specialist

 

APS Level 4/5-6 (S&T 3-4) and Executive Level 1 (S&T 5)
$69,811 - $119,651 (plus super)
Rockingham – WA

The Role
We are seeking a talented engineer or scientist with a background in computer systems engineering, computer science, software engineering, mechatronics, or similar. You will be invited to join our welcoming, diverse team in HMAS Stirling, Western Australia and work on innovative solutions to complex science and technology problems in Submarine Combat System architecture and integration.  

Australia is embarking on an unprecedented ship building program. It requires the integration of sophisticated systems from across Australia and our global partners to create highly effective naval combat systems for Defence, and continuous research and integration to keep those combat systems at the cutting edge. DSTG’s growing team of Combat Systems Engineers and Scientists will play a critical role in the success of this program, transforming the way new capabilities are transitioned from scientific concepts into Defence capability. 

As a Combat System Architecture Specialist, you will develop trusted relationships with Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Defence industry and academic researchers to deliver advice and innovative solutions to improve combat systems capability.  You will seek training opportunities to develop your knowledge of combat systems and the military domain.  You will work as part of a small team of engineers and scientists who are responsible for activities such as:

• Building detailed knowledge of Australia’s submarine combat system architectures, elements, functions and behaviours.
• Analysing combat system designs to identify and characterise solutions to architecture and integration issues, including network, software, and systems integration issues.
• Shaping and conducting research into future technologies and concepts for combat systems’ software, communications and information-management capabilities, and the socio-technical processes to develop and manage them.
• Demonstrating how to integrate advanced capabilities such as robotic and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, multi-function sensors, software defined networks, adaptive cloud architectures, data analytics, space systems and cyber defences into submarine combat systems, through the development and trialling of integrated prototypes.
• Developing open systems architectures for distributed systems of combat systems to support integration of Australia’s maritime platforms into the Defence force.
• Delivering verbal and written reports on analysis, research and trials to inform development and acquisition decision making.  

About our Team
Our team provides Science and Technology (S&T) supporting an Armaments Cooperative Program (ACP) for the development of the Submarine Combat Control System (SCCS) used by both the Royal Australian and United States navies. 

The Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) and United States of America (USA) initially established the ACP with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2004, and subsequently extended the MoU in 2009 and again in 2019.  Both countries contribute to the ongoing development of the SCCS through system upgrades involving Technology Insertions (TIs) in even years and Advanced Processor Builds (APBs) in odd years.   Our S&T program includes: 

• Researching and developing next generation SCCS architectures to facilitate rapid reconfiguration based on mission profiles and resource availability. This research effort aims to improve SCCS stability and configurability, two key drivers for the RAN, by generating significant space, weight, power, and cooling savings and enabling the separation of hardware and software. 
• Researching and developing standard systems of measurement to provide robust and repeatable methods for assessing SCCS capability. This research effort aims to improve our understanding of the SCCS capability in an Australian context by objectively assessing the impact of SCCS performance on outcomes like building a tactical picture, remaining safe and undetected, and prosecuting a target. 
• Researching and developing innovative SCCS algorithms and Operator Machine Interfaces (OMIs) to automate tasks to reduce operator workload and enhance situational awareness.

Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for talented people who like solving problems, working collaboratively, learning new skills and knowledge, and want to deliver results for Defence.  

Our ideal candidates are self-motivated, show initiative, strive to understand how their work aligns with Defence outcomes and enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary team to achieve those outcomes. They will have demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:

1.    Linux usage and administration.

2.    Cloud computing technologies:

• Infrastructure, Platform and Software as a Service.
• Virtualisation and software containers.

3.    Software development:

• Modern DevOps tools and processes.
• Modern programming languages.
• Service-based architectures.

4.    Complex Information Technology systems:

• Storage, network, server and middleware architectures.
• Physical and virtual/software-defined architectures.
• Combat or other military systems.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 06 July 2022

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/02266/22 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=17845D1A-780A-79ED-90A8-C8A632F46533