Senior Test & Evaluation (T&E) Engineer

As back-to-back winners of the 2023 and 2024 Defence Innovator of the Year, DefendTex lives and breathes its values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, passion and risk taking. Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation, developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies for military and law enforcement communities across the globe.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Test & Evaluation (T&E) Engineer to join our engineering and trials team at DefendTex's Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

Based at this nationally significant facility, this role offers the rare opportunity to contribute directly to Australia's sovereign defence manufacturing capability while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.

As a Senior T&E Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, planning, and execution of test programs for rocket motors, warheads, and other ordnance systems. You will oversee range safety, data acquisition, and proof testing to ensure products meet stringent Defence and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the planning, setup, and conduct of ordnance and propulsion system tests.
• Develop detailed test procedures, instrumentation plans, and data collection methodologies.
• Manage range operations, ensuring compliance with explosives and safety regulations.
• Analyse test results, generate technical reports, and support design verification.
• Collaborate with design, production, and quality teams on test planning and troubleshooting.
• Maintain documentation, calibration, and configuration control for all test equipment.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior test staff.
• Liaise with Defence representatives, regulators, and customers during trials.

You are a hands-on and safety-focused engineer with deep experience in experimental test environments. You combine technical rigour with operational discipline and thrive on solving complex engineering challenges under field conditions.

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (Instrumentation focus desirable).
• Extensive experience in explosives, ordnance, or propulsion testing environments.
• Proven experience leading or supervising live test programs and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with explosives proof and experimental standards.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and Explosives License.

Desirable:

• Experience with high-speed data acquisition systems and telemetry.
• Certified or trained in explosive ordnance proof and experimental procedures.
• Knowledge of Defence and international testing standards.
• Experience leading small technical teams in field operations.

• Competitive remuneration and leadership growth opportunities.
• Work at the forefront of Australia's sovereign defence capability.
• Exposure to unique energetic materials and propulsion technologies.
• Professional development and ongoing technical training.
• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Based near Victoria's Bass Coast - enjoy a coastal lifestyle with city access.

At DefendTex, we value diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We promote a workplace culture built on integrity, teamwork, and curiosity, where every individual contributes to our mission of advancing sovereign defence technology.

If you're ready to take on a leadership role in the testing and evaluation of next-generation rocket and ordnance systems, we'd love to hear from you.

If this sounds like the role for you, please submit your resume and cover letter in the attached form, or emailing outlining your technical experience and why you're excited to join DefendTex. We look forward to your application.