Senior Systems Engineer - Research and Innovation

Join Saab Australia (Saab) and help shape the future of defence, security and cyber technology.

For more than 35 years, Saab Australia has been a leading provider of defence, civil and security solutions, with an enduring purpose to keep people and society safe. We combine global expertise with local knowledge to deliver innovative, world-class solutions that support critical operations across Australia’s defence and security industries. From cyber security and communications to advanced defence systems and mixed reality technologies, our teams work on meaningful projects that make a real impact.

If you're looking for challenging work, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer

At Saab Australia, we recognise that meaningful work is just one part of a rewarding career. We support our people with benefits that enhance wellbeing, flexibility and financial security, including:

• Up to 6 weeks leave
• 14% employer superannuation contribution
• Free Income Protection Insurance
  

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent: https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

The role

We are seeking a talented Senior Systems Engineer - Research & Innovation to join a multidisciplinary engineering team delivering cutting-edge Defence technologies, rapid prototypes and next-generation capability solutions.

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead systems engineering activities across a diverse portfolio of research and development initiatives, ensuring innovative concepts are translated into robust, scalable and mission-ready solutions.

Further, the successful candidate will:

• Lead systems engineering activities across Defence R&D programs, prototypes and concept demonstrators from requirements through to integration, verification and validation.
• Engage with stakeholders to define requirements, align solutions with capability objectives and support future product evolution.
• Coordinate technical governance, configuration management and design reviews to ensure delivery of robust and scalable solutions.
• Lead installation, testing and sustainment activities, while providing technical leadership and subject matter expertise across assigned capability areas.
  

Flexible work arrangements such as hybrid work from home / office and a 9-day fortnight will be considered for this role.

About you

Your skills and experience will include:

• Experience applying Systems Engineering principles across multiple lifecycle stages, including requirements, design, integration, verification and validation.
• Proven ability to solve complex technical challenges and deliver engineering outcomes within Defence, aerospace or other complex technology environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and technical documentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to technical leadership, innovation and continuous improvement.
• End-to-end Systems Engineering lifecycle experience, particularly within R&D, innovation programs, prototypes or technology demonstrators.
• Experience applying Systems Engineering practices to software-intensive or complex integrated systems.
• Familiarity with MBSE, systems architecture development, digital engineering practices and Defence capability environments.
  

Security Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must be an Australian Citizen and be eligible to obtain and maintain:

• Australian Defence Security Clearance (NV1)
• Access to ITAR-controlled information
  

What you will be part of

• Explore a world of possibilities. Tackle challenges, drive innovation, and grow your career in an environment where curiosity and diverse perspectives are valued. Together, we achieve extraordinary outcomes, and your contribution matters.
• Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose to help nations keep their people and society safe. Supported by 28,000 employees worldwide, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
• The company develops, manufactures, and sustains advanced systems across aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Learn more about Saab here.
• We're committed to creating an environment where our people feel supported, empowered and inspired to do their best work.
  

Applications

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking 'Apply'.
• By submitting your application, you consent to Saab Australia's pre-employment screening process, which may include reference checks, Australian Federal Police checks, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening, and a pre-employment medical declaration.
• Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and ex-service personnel, veterans and their families.

About Us

At Saab, you'll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose – keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions. What makes that difference possible? You.

We're a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with approximately 28,000 employees across all continents. Our transformative approach combines deep expertise with continuous innovation – investing one-fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow's challenges today. But technology alone doesn't create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution – that's what transforms possibility into reality.

Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You'll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters. Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.