Lead Systems Engineering for Australia’s OmniGuard SDA Program

Silentium Defence is building Australia’s next generation of passive radar and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) technology — sovereign sensing systems trusted by Defence and critical infrastructure partners.

Our OmniGuard passive radar has been operational for more than four years and is already demonstrating major value to both commercial and military space awareness. We are now expanding our capability and scaling delivery of this world-leading technology.

We are seeking a Systems Engineering Manager (SEM) to lead systems engineering maturity, frameworks, and technical governance across the OmniGuard SDA Program. This role is ideal for a high-performing Senior Systems Engineer who is ready to step into formal leadership and take ownership of a complex, nationally significant engineering challenge. If you want genuine influence over architecture, systems governance, delivery pathways, and engineering decision-making — this is the role!

About the Role

As the Systems Engineering Manager for OmniGuard, reporting to the Program Manager, you will set the direction for how Silentium designs, integrates, tests, and governs complex, high-integrity sensing technology.

You will:

• Own the full systems engineering lifecycle across requirements, architecture, verification, and design assurance.
• Build, embed, and uplift systems engineering frameworks, processes, and standards for the OmniGuard space program.
• Influence architectural direction, trade studies, and technical risk decisions.
• Partner with product managers and technical leads to define clear, achievable delivery pathways.
• Drive systems engineering maturity uplift as the SDA capability scales across programs.
• Mentor engineers and lead cross-functional teams (software, hardware, RF, modelling, test).
• Support major design reviews, program milestones, and capability readiness.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to solve complex delivery and integration challenges.
• Play a central role in shaping Australia’s sovereign SDA engineering capability.

This is not a maintenance or BAU role — you will be building a world-leading SDA system and defining the engineering foundations that OmniGuard will rely on for years to come.

What You’ll Bring

You don’t need to already be a Systems Engineering Manager. Silentium Defence is open to senior engineers ready for their next step — provided you bring capability, curiosity, and the confidence to lead a complex program into operational service.

Essential:

• Demonstrated maturity in systems engineering for complex or mission-critical systems.
• Strong capability in requirements management, architecture, modelling/MBSE, V&V, and/or integration.
• Ability to influence technical decisions and communicate clearly across engineering disciplines.
• Experience in Defence, aerospace, space, radar, SDA, sensing, or other relevant systems domains.
• Leadership potential and a desire to shape systems engineering practice from the ground up.
• A proactive, curious, and delivery-focused mindset suited to a fast-moving engineering environment.

Highly Regarded:

• Experience with MBSE/SysML, DOORS/Jama, JIRA, or similar tools.
• Background in radar, SDA, RF systems, mission systems, or sensor fusion.
• Exposure to ASDEFCON, DISP, and engineering governance frameworks.

Why Silentium Defence?

• Lead systems engineering for one of Australia’s highest-impact space programs.
• Real engineering influence with minimal bureaucracy.
• Direct collaboration with senior technical leaders and the executive team.
• A culture built around problem-solving, not ego.
• Strong development runway into broader organisational leadership roles.
• Hybrid/flexible work options and a modern, structured engineering culture.
• Opportunity to help build a sovereign SDA capability with Defence and commercial relevance.

Application Eligibility

• This role requires a current Australian Federal Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance at NV1 level. Eligibility is dependent on the ability to obtain and maintain this clearance.
• Due to the ability to access protected US defence technology, applicants holding nationality of certain foreign countries will not be eligible.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now to submit your CV and cover letter.

Please note: Applications submitted via email will not be progressed.

Applications close: 5:00pm, Tuesday 16 December 2025

For confidential enquiries: peopleandculture@silentiumdefence.com.au

Silentium Defence is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity of thought, background, and experience. We foster a respectful and collaborative workplace where all team members can contribute to our mission. Due to the nature of our work, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible for Defence security clearance.

Recruitment Agency Disclaimer: Silentium Defence does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals and will not be responsible for any associated fees.