- Deepen and expand your knowledge of startups and defence industry networks at Australia’s #1 university for Entrepreneurship
- Full-Time (35 hrs wk), fixed term parental leave contract from March to September 2025
- $123,044-$138,637 + 17% superannuation, pro-rata
- Based UNSW Sydney or Canberra
The Opportunity
The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability is a $250 million enterprise powered by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Adelaide (UoA), with funding from the Australian Government, as well as university and industry partners. Key focus areas include:
- Fast-tracking world-leading innovations in partnership with Defence industry partners to meet capability priorities for Defence
- Transforming the way universities and academics work with industry
- Driving job-ready skills of the future, ensuring both research and development activities and education qualifications are aligned to industry need
- Increasing research impact by encouraging the translation and commercialisation of university research towards Australia’s Defence National Manufacturing Priority.
You’ll lead and deliver a Defence-focused technical support program including supporting prototyping, testing, and low-scale manufacturing , leveraging the facilities, equipment and capabilities of the University of Adelaide, the University of NSW, and their partners. The role requires a strong technical background, stakeholder management skills, and a high level of autonomy. Responsibilities include identifying and addressing partner needs, facilitating equipment and facility use, and uncovering opportunities for the universities. Additionally, you’ll provide support and guidance to partners and participants to achieve their prototyping and manufacturing goals.
This role can be based at UNSW Sydney or Canberra and requires regular interstate travel.
The Organisation
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers. And it’s why we come to campus each day.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:
- Hybrid/Flexible working arrangements
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period, pro-rata
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Progressive HR practices
- Discounts and entitlements
- Affordable on campus parking
About the successful applicant
You have a relevant tertiary qualification (engineering and or mechatronics) and can demonstrate your skill in managing products through various stages of prototyping and have a strong command of design thinking and rapid prototyping methodologies.
Your exceptional communication and people skills enable you to build and sustain constructive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, while effectively conveying ideas and information. With extensive project management experience, you have a thorough understanding of the project life cycle and the strategic development of project plans, objectives, and documentation.
Your high level of autonomy, initiative, judgment, and problem-solving abilities are complemented by your excellent time management and organisational skills, allowing you to manage multiple tasks and complex projects efficiently while meeting tight deadlines. Additionally, you are highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and relevant software, such as Slack.
You are aligned with UNSW’s goals, values, and policies, understand your health and safety responsibilities.
Note: The successful candidate may be required to hold or attain an Australian government security clearance
To Apply: If leading a Defence-focused prototyping manufacturing program is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (addressing the Skills and Experience required).
Applications close 11:55pm, Tuesday 4th February 2025
Contact: Liz Kobold - Portfolio Manager Innovation, Defence Trailblazer e: lkobold@dtb.solutions
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
