Career Opportunities

As winner of the 2024 and 2023 Defence Innovator of the Year, our values of integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion are at the for front of everything we do. Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation through developing and delivering innovative defence technologies to military and law enforcement communities around the world.

DefendTex are seeking RF Antenna Design Engineer to join an expanding team working on the development of cutting-edge Defence technologies, specifically developing leading edge, innovative and practical electronic systems and sub-systems for use in tomorrow’s defence technology.

About this role:

• Design of miniaturised and/or conformal antennas
• RF circuit design and testing
• Working with and setting up test equipment such as VNA’s, spectrum analysers, & oscilloscopes.
• Prepare specifications and requirements
• Analysing standards for key requirements
• Developing test and evaluation plans and procedures

About you:

• Bachelor Communications, Telecommunications, Electrical, Electronics, or related discipline
• Australian Citizenship – must be eligible for the Australian Government BASELINE security check
• Not be a prohibited person under Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Victoria)
• Experience with Altium Designer
• Experience designing with CST, ADS, or equivalent
• Experience designing and testing antennas within tight enclosures.
• Experience performing cascade analysis on RF signal chains
• Debugging and fault-finding circuits
• Surface mount assembly and rework

A dynamic, agile and enthusiastic applicant who operates well in a multidisciplinary team environment will suit this role.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline clearance. To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration
• Exciting projects and industry leading innovations
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Working in a dynamic team environment with talented engineers to develop innovative, novel applications for defence
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with external research organisations and institutions

We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our customers and our employees. We strive for a positive and engaging workplace where mental health and wellbeing are supported. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Veteran, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Interested?

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

As winner of the 2024 and 2023 Defence Innovator of the Year and finalist for Space Business of the Year, our values of integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion are at the for front of everything we do. Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation through developing and delivering innovative defence technologies to military and law enforcement communities around the world.

DefendTex are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join an expanding team working on the development of cutting-edge Defence technologies. Specifically, the role will be focused on design and development of mechanical systems in novel weapon, munition and armour technologies. The successful applicant will be required to lead the design of the products including any support or test systems, perform 3D CAD modelling of products and integration of other sub-systems, assemblies and tooling as well as providing detailed manufacturing drawings. The successful applicant will act as a Team Lead withing the Ballistics group at DefendTex and be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and be able to work collaboratively alongside a highly-skilled workshop team. The successful applicant will evolve and conceptualise new and existing designs of several prototype platforms based on empirical test data and projected campaigns to further develop the system’s performance. They will also provide insight into materials and manufacturing improvements where appropriate.

Some of these products will require the integration of electronic systems, as well as the use of a variety of lightweight high-performance materials. The successful applicant will be required to develop testing schedules and project plans and assist in running live fire test campaigns in support of project milestones.

The role will also require design and hands-on prototyping, assembly and testing of novel weapon, ammunition and armour systems.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Technical lead for a multidisciplinary team.
• Leading and contributing to the design and optimisation of mechanical components, assemblies and tooling for military weapons,
• munition and armour products
• 3D CAD modelling of components and assemblies to be used in weapon systems
• Preparation of manufacturing drawings including tolerancing and dimensioning to Australian Standards
• Conduct critical design reviews and product optimisation through an iterative design process
• Development of test plans
• Preparation of project plans
• Carrying out ballistic testing campaigns including field testing
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Failure analysis
• Prototyping and assembly of weapons and ammunition for testing campaigns
• Applied research in the field of weapons and armour systems
• Liaise with external suppliers of sub-components and raw materials

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
• 3D CAD modelling expertise (SolidWorks preferred)
• Experience preparing manufacturing drawings to AS 1100
• Strong understanding of engineering materials: specifically, lightweight alloys, steels, polymers and composites
• Experience with FEA tools and simulation
• Hands-on, practical approach to engineering problem solving
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes e.g. manual and CNC machining, injection moulding, casting, 3D
• printing, fabrication and composite processing
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles
• Sound knowledge of mechanical design principles
• Sound understanding of weapon systems and gun propulsion
• Experience in an R&D role
• Prior experience as a project leader / Team Lead
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team and providing technical direction
• Australian Citizenship
• Must pass the Australian Government BASELINE security check
• Not be a prohibited person under Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Victoria)

Desireable:

• Ammunition reloading experience
• Knowledge of interior and terminal ballistics
• Understanding of electronic systems
• Hands-on experience with composite processing
• Previous use of Product Data Management (PDM) tools and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
• RPEng / CPEng
• Strives in a fast paced, dynamic work environment

Team work is critical to us so you must be a team player, able to work in a mixed discipline environment ensuring your designs integrate and function first time, every time.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration
• Exciting projects and industry leading innovations
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Working in a dynamic team environment with talented engineers to develop innovative, novel applications for defence
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with external research organisations and institutions

We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our customers and our employees. We strive for a positive and engaging workplace where mental health and wellbeing are supported. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Veteran, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Interested?

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

For 30 years Alfatron has been a leading electronics manufacturer in Australia.  We pride ourselves on offering quality products and service for our customers. At Alfatron, we value integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion. This is an exciting period of growth for us and we are seeking positive, enthusiastic team players to join out team. Experience in the industry would be an advantage, however not essential as training will be provided.

The Fabrication of printed circuit board is a skillset that has been lost from Australian shores for over 10 years, and we are excited to be bringing it back!

About the Role

This role would ideally suit an individual who is experienced in the fabrication of printed circuit boards or comes from a CNC operation, screen printing or electroplating background, however may also suit a passionate leaner who would like to kick start their career in PCB Fabrication.

Training can be provided for the right candidate who is looking to upskill, reskill or have a changer change to an exciting and invaluable skillset.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparation of panels for CNC drilling
• CNC routing of completed boards
• Preparation of stacks for multilayer bonding
• Copper and Tin electroplating of panels
• Copper etching
• Responsible for chemical maintenance
• Screen printing solder mask inks to panels
• Operating equipment for UV imaging panels
• Developing panels

About You

• Previous experience in PCB Fabrication advantageous
• Previous experience within a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment advantageous
• Ability to work under pressure in a high volume, fast pace changing environment
• Ability to work within strict quality standards and guidelines
• Ability to follow established machine safety rules and regulations.
• Maintain a safe and clean work space
• Great eye for detail and dexterity
• Excellent communication skills
• Australian Citizenship – must be eligible for the Australian Government BASELINE security check

This role is required onsite and thus you will be required under the Victorian Government mandate to provide proof of vaccination in accordance with the mandate.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline clearance.  To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Working in a dynamic and supportive team environment

We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our customers and our employees. We strive for a positive and engaging workplace where mental health and wellbeing are supported.   We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Interested?

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

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 calculated 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 a highly skilled Senior Research Engineer / Scientist to join our growing Propulsion Manufacturing team at DefendTex’s Dandenong South Facility initially, then moving to our state-of-the-art Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

Based in this dynamic and rapidly growing regional location, the role offers the unique opportunity to contribute directly to Australia’s sovereign energetic-materials and propulsion manufacturing capability – while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne’s south-eastern corridor.

About the Role

As a Senior Research Engineer / Scientist, you will lead the research, development, and pilot-scale production of ammonium perchlorate (AP) through controlled plasma-assisted and electrochemical processes. You will be responsible for designing reactors, optimising plasma and hybrid oxidation systems, developing analytical methods, and delivering scale-up packages that underpin our next-generation propellant manufacturing capability.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure safe, compliant, high-performance production processes within a complex energetic-materials environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, build and commission laboratory and pilot-scale reactors for chloride/chlorate → perchlorate conversion using non-thermal plasma technologies (DBD, gliding arc, corona) and hybrid plasma–electrochemical systems.
• Optimise operating parameters and reactor internals to maximise ClO₄⁻ yield, energy efficiency, and process stability while minimising by-products.
• Integrate gas-phase plasma systems with liquid-phase capture, crystallisation, ion-exchange purification, and downstream electrochemical polishing.
• Develop and validate analytical protocols for oxy-chlorine species (IC, ClOx/NOx gas analysis, TOC, pH, conductivity).
• Perform energy modelling, techno-economic assessments, and scale-up planning, identifying risks and mitigations.
• Lead safety documentation including SOPs, HAZOP inputs, oxidiser-handling controls, emissions management and regulatory notifications.
• Supervise technicians and junior engineers; liaise with vendors, external labs, and engineering partners for equipment procurement, pilot build and commissioning.

About You

You are an experienced plasma, electrochemical, or chemical engineer/scientist who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys tackling complex, first-of-kind technical challenges. You combine strong experimental capability with rigorous data analysis, safety leadership, and the drive to bring new energetic-materials processes from lab concept to manufacturing reality.

Essential:

• BSc or MSc with 5+ years’ experience, or PhD in plasma chemistry/engineering, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience operating non-thermal plasma reactors (DBD, gliding arc, corona) and/or electrochemical chlorate/perchlorate systems.
• Strong analytical laboratory experience with ion chromatography and reactive chlorine species.
• Experience with mass/energy balances, scale-up methodology, corrosive-service materials selection, and P&IDs.
• Demonstrated experience writing SOPs, contributing to HAZOPs, and managing oxidiser-related emissions and waste streams.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and technical reporting skills.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Explosives Licence and Defence Security Clearance.

Desirable:

• Experience converting chloride, sodium/potassium brines into chlorate/perchlorate at lab or pilot scale.
• Familiarity with catalyst/packing materials for packed-bed DBD reactors or plasma-enhanced catalytic systems.
• Experience delivering pilot-scale or process-scale demonstrations.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration.
• Impactful work contributing to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
• Rare opportunity in a state-of-the-art energetic-materials manufacturing facility.
• Professional development and leadership growth pathways.
• Supportive, innovative engineering culture.
• Located near Victoria’s Bass Coast—enjoy regional and coastal living with city access.

At DefendTex, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We promote a workplace culture that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration – where every individual can contribute to meaningful, world-class defence solutions.

Interested?

If you’re ready to take on a key engineering role shaping the future of Australia’s defence technology, 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 careers@defendtex.com outlining your technical experience and why you’re excited to join DefendTex. We look forward to your application.

As back-to-back winners of the 2023 & 2024 Defence Innovator of the Year, we live and breathe our values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, and passion.

Our vision is clear: to be a world leader in defence innovation, developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies for military and law enforcement communities across the globe.

From day one, you’ll be hands-on with real robotics, drones, and autonomous systems – taking your work from initial concept through to working prototypes and production-ready systems. This role is all about coding, control systems, and intelligent software development!

What You ‘ ll Get To Do

• Get hands on designing and developing software for with robotics, drones, autonomous systems, and advanced electronics.
• Collaborate with talented engineers from every discipline.
• Develop, test, and refine solutions for complex, one-of-a-kind challenges.
• Integrate and test software on real hardware platforms.
• Solve complex problems with creativity, rapid prototyping, and iteration.
• Partner with research organisations and institutions on groundbreaking projects.

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive remuneration and benefits.
• Work on exciting, industry-leading innovations that make a real-world impact.
• Learn from senior engineers and industry experts while getting your hands dirty.
• A dynamic, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued.
• Opportunities to work with external research partners pushing the limits of technology.
• A workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Access to the latest tools, prototypes, and tech.
• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including Veterans and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

What We’re Looking For

• Degree qualification in Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or similar.
• Coding skills
• Passion for robotics, drones, or autonomous systems.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Full-time onsite availability.
• Eligibility for Baseline Security Clearance (Australian Citizenship required).

If you’re looking for a graduate role where you get to work hands-on in a team that values skill, creativity, and impact — this is the place to do it.

Interested?

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

As winner of the 2023 Defence Innovator of the Year and finalist for Space Business of the Year, our values of integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion are at the for front of everything we do.

Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation through developing and delivering innovative defence technologies to military and law enforcement communities around the world.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Management Accountant to join our team!

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, as our Management Accountant, your role will be to complete accounting activities for the DefendTex Group, supporting the provision of accurate and timely financial and management reporting for internal and external stakeholders, as well as maintaining the integrity of accounting records and regulatory compliance.

About the Role

• Preparation of Business Activity Statements
• Ensuring accurate tracking of job costing for manufacturing
• Overseeing payroll and the completion of Payroll Tax Returns
• Assisting with budgeting and forecasting
• Assisting with general ledger account and project code management
• Ensuring Accounting standards and policies are adhered to
• Supervision of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff
• Training and mentoring junior staff
• Managing project cost allocations and cross billing between companies
• Overview of intercompany reconciliation and bank reconciliation tasks
• Developing and improving efficient, automated reporting templates using DefendTex’s ERP system.
• Managing the Fixed Asset register
• Proactively identifying and supporting cost management and efficiency initiatives.
• Assisting in process improvement and systems enhancement initiatives

About You

• Proven work experience as a Management Accountant or similar role
• Previous experience managing a small team preferred
• Experience in a Chartered Accounting firm can be advantageous
• Professional accounting qualifications such as CA or CPA advantageous
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related field
• In-depth understanding of business bookkeeping procedures
• Solid knowledge of accounting regulations
• Process and deadline-driven mindset with a keen eye for detail
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform data and statistical analysis to spot trends and anomalies
• Advanced computer software skills, including Excel and other financial software and tools for reporting and analysis purposes
• Eligibility to meet Baseline security clearance requirements.
• Not be a prohibited person under Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Victoria).
• Great communication, work ethic and can-do attitude.
• Time management skills and the ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive working relationships and be a team player.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration
• Professional learning and development opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our customers and our employees. We strive for a positive and engaging workplace where mental health and wellbeing are supported.   We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Interested?

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

As winner of the 2024 and 2023 Defence Innovator of the Year, our values of integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion are at the for front of everything we do. Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation through developing and delivering innovative defence technologies to military and law enforcement communities around the world.

DefendTex are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic Bid Coordinator to join the team and bring a wealth of experience in the coordination and production of bids and proposal responses. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the preparation and submission of high-quality tenders and proposals. This role is full time onsite and also assists with developing multi-media content for business development to support the overall growth strategy.

About the Role

• Assist in the development and delivery of proposals, bids, tenders, submissions
• Assist in drafting, editing and formatting tender documents including preparation of written and graphic/visual content, ensuring submissions meet company guidelines and submission requirements.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders, such as program managers and engineers, to obtain necessary information for bids
• Incorporate graphics, diagrams, and illustrations into documentation using tools like Visio, Adobe Suite, and Canva.
• Coordinate and draft bid content for review and edit
• Search for bid opportunities for DefendTex
• Develop and manage knowledge base system
• Support the bid search and qualification of new opportunities
• Coordinate proposal input from stakeholders and consolidate contributions to the required format
• Track progress of work and escalate issues/areas of risk and participate in tender debriefs
• Monitor and enforce timelines, ensuring all submissions are completed on time.
• Maintain document management and change control practice.
• Ensure proposals are compliant and adhere to branding and quality standards
• Coordinate some legal contracting activities and documentation and maintain associated records
• Maintain knowledge base system
• Liaise with Subject Matter Experts for input to bids and proposals
• Partner closely and build foster collaborative working relationships with all teams
• Participate in post-tender review, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices for future tenders.

About You

• Formal qualifications in business administration, marketing or communication or similar advantageous
• Previous experience in bid coordination or a similar role, ideally within the Defence industry
• Proven skills in bid coordination and preparation within a technical environment or willingness to learn
• Excellent business writing skills and ability to produce high standard of work
• Intermediate to advanced skills in multi-media including Microsoft products and the Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Some exposure to business marketing activities, digital marketing tools and brand management.
• A creative approach to producing engaging content.
• High level proficiency in database management
• Professional understanding of templates, macros and styles
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly
• Ability to build internal and external relationships
• Strong organisational and time management, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Be open to feedback and value continuous improvement
• Australian Citizenship – must be eligible for the Australian Government BASELINE security check
• Not be a prohibited person under Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Victoria)

A dynamic, agile and enthusiastic applicant who operates well in a multidisciplinary team environment will suit this role.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline clearance.  To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration
• Exciting projects and industry leading innovations
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Working in a dynamic team environment with talented engineers to develop innovative, novel applications for defence
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with external research organisations and institutions

We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our customers and our employees. We strive for a positive and engaging workplace where mental health and wellbeing are supported.   We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including veterans and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If you are looking for a unique and exciting opportunity, we look forward to your application.

Interested?

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

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 Explosives Safety, Environment & Compliance Manager to join our leadership team at DefendTex’s Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

This role offers the unique chance to shape Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability, ensuring safe, sustainable and compliant operations across one of the nation’s most advanced energetic materials facilities—all while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

About the Role

As the Explosives Safety, Environment & Compliance Manager, you will oversee all aspects of explosive safety, environmental management and regulatory compliance at the facility. You’ll lead the site’s Major Hazard Facility (MHF) framework, manage explosives and environmental licenses, and ensure all operations meet Defence, WorkSafe and EPA requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and maintain the facility’s Safety Case and MHF compliance systems.
• Ensure compliance with explosives, WHS, and environmental regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee license applications, renewals, and audit responses.
• Manage risk assessments, HAZOPs, and process-safety documentation.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring, waste management, and sustainability initiatives.
• Liaise with regulators, Defence, and government agencies.
• Train and mentor staff in safe work practices and regulatory awareness.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure effective corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety and compliance systems.

About You

You are an experienced safety and compliance leader who thrives in high-hazard or defence manufacturing environments. You bring strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to balance operational priorities with regulatory integrity.

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science, with postgraduate qualification in Safety, Process Safety or Explosives desirable.
• Extensive experience in high-hazard or explosives manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record managing compliance under MHF, WorkSafe and EPA frameworks.
• Strong understanding of explosives legislation and Defence safety policies.
• Demonstrated experience leading audits, investigations and regulatory engagement.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and Explosives License.

Desirable:

• Experience in explosives or chemical manufacturing compliance management.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting and sustainability programs.
• Proven leadership of small safety and compliance teams.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration and leadership responsibility.
• Opportunity to lead safety and compliance for a national defence manufacturing capability.
• Exposure to advanced energetic materials and cutting-edge production technology.
• Supportive, professional and mission-driven culture.
• Based near Victoria’s Bass Coast – enjoy coastal living with convenient access to Melbourne.
• Genuine career development within a growing Australian company.

At DefendTex, we are proud to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We are committed to creating a workplace that values integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement while advancing Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

Interested?

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role ensuring safety and compliance in a world-class defence facility, 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 careers@defendtex.com outlining your technical experience and why you’re excited to join DefendTex. We look forward to your application.

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 around the world.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Propellant / Rocket Motor Specialist to join our energetic propulsion team at DefendTex’s state-of-the-art Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

Based at this strategically important facility, the role offers the rare chance to work on advanced propellant formulation and small-scale motor development that directly contributes to Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

About the Role

As Propellant / Rocket Motor Specialist you will be the technical authority for propellant formulation and small-scale motor development. You will lead laboratory and pilot-scale trials, develop predictive models, and work closely with process, materials and production teams to translate formulations into production-ready processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead development and optimisation of composite and double-base propellant formulations.
• Design and execute lab and pilot-scale formulation trials; translate results to production processes.
• Develop and validate internal ballistics and ageing models; conduct simulation and performance prediction.
• Define ingredient specifications, batch records and safe material handling protocols.
• Support process scale-up, plant commissioning and handover to production.
• Plan and support static-fire testing, analyse results and close technical actions.
• Maintain detailed, auditable technical documentation and safety cases.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; promote best practice in explosives safety and record keeping.
• Collaborate with engineering, QA, HSE and operations to ensure producibility and regulatory compliance.

About You

You are a technically rigorous scientist or engineer with hands-on experience in energetic formulations and a strong safety mindset. You enjoy translating laboratory science into reliable, producible processes.

Essential:

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience formulating rocket propellants or energetic compositions (composite and/or double-base experience).
• Practical experience with lab and pilot-scale mixing, casting/bonding or processing methods.
• Experience in modelling or simulation of internal ballistics, burn rates or related performance metrics.
• Strong record keeping, data analysis and technical reporting skills.
• Formal explosives safety training desirable; strong commitment to explosives handling safety.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Explosives License (where applicable) and Australian Defence Security Clearance.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting static-fire test programmes and analysing firing data.
• Familiarity with QA/QC for energetic materials and handover to production.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, internal ballistics codes or relevant simulation tools.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration and meaningful project work.
• Direct impact on Australia’s sovereign defence capability and productionisation of novel technologies.
• Opportunity to work in a national-first facility with an experienced multidisciplinary team.
• Professional development, technical training and leadership opportunities.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture that values innovation and responsible risk taking.
• Based near Victoria’s Bass Coast – regional lifestyle with practical access to Melbourne.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations people.

Interested?

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

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 Explosive Ordnance Design Engineer to join our talented engineering team at DefendTex’s Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

This is a rare opportunity to work on advanced rocket motor and warhead design programs that are shaping Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability—all from a location that offers the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

About the Role

As an Explosive Ordnance Design Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the design, analysis, and development of ordnance systems, including rocket motors, warheads, and associated subsystems. This position involves end-to-end technical responsibility—from concept design through to prototype, testing, and qualification—within a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the design and development of explosive ordnance systems, components, and subassemblies.
• Conduct mechanical and structural analysis for rocket motor and warhead systems.
• Ensure compliance with Defence and international ordnance design standards.
• Support the integration of energetic and mechanical subsystems.
• Prepare design documentation, drawings, and verification reports.
• Collaborate with T&E, QA, and manufacturing teams during prototyping and production.
• Participate in test planning, data analysis, and design reviews.
• Provide technical input into future development and continuous improvement programs.
• Liaise with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure process integrity.

About You

You are an experienced design engineer with a strong technical background in weapons, munitions, or propulsion systems. You thrive in solving complex engineering problems and are motivated by contributing to projects that deliver real national impact.

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Ordnance Engineering.
• Extensive experience in munitions, weapons, or rocket motor design.
• Proficiency in CAD design, mechanical analysis, and materials selection.
• Familiarity with explosives safety and ordnance standards (e.g. MIL-STD, STANAG).
• Strong understanding of design verification, testing, and documentation processes.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and Explosives License.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate training or certification in Explosive Ordnance Engineering.
• Experience in Defence or Defence Industry environments.
• Working knowledge of thermomechanical modelling and FEA tools.

Why Us?

• Competitive remuneration.
• Opportunity to design next-generation rocket and ordnance systems.
• Work at the forefront of Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
• Career development and leadership pathways within a national innovator.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture.
• Based near Victoria’s Bass Coast – enjoy coastal living with easy access to Melbourne.

At DefendTex, we’re proud to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We encourage passionate professionals to bring curiosity, creativity, and technical excellence to projects that matter.

Interested?

If you’re ready to contribute to world-leading defence innovation and play a key role in the development of advanced 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 careers@defendtex.com outlining your technical experience and why you’re excited to join DefendTex. We look forward to your application.