Head of Discipline - Advanced Weapons Systems

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our Munitions teams in Benalla and Mulwala produce propellants, explosives and munitions for defence and commercial uses.

With ongoing investment into research and development, we produce a range of explosive ordnance systems for the Australian Defence Force and its allies. And being at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry gives our teams constant opportunities to build on their technical expertise.

Working either at our Melbourne Office in the World Trade Centre on Wurundjeri land or in Benalla and Mulwala - Pangerang and Yorta Yorta land, your role purpose is to –

• Lead, inspire, and grow high-performing engineering and technical teams delivering advanced guided and hypersonic weapon systems

• Build, nurture, and retain multi-disciplinary capability across Hardware, Structures, Propulsion, Ignitors, and Warheads

• Develop team skills and confidence in emerging technologies, advanced materials, and digital engineering, ensuring long-term capability and delivery readiness

• Provide clear technical direction and coaching to support bids, programs, and successful outcomes

• Lead skills need identification, workforce planning, succession, and targeted capability development to meet current and future needs aspirations for Advanced Weapon Development

• Enable delivery of strategic objectives aligned to our Securing Our Nation purpose

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Deep experience in advanced weapons engineering, including guided weapons, hypersonics, propulsion, energetics, warheads, or high-speed structures

• Build and deliver a team vision, identify future needs and technology trends. Resolving team skills and knowledge gaps via mentoring, coaching, sourcing external training or obtaining required skills via external requitement

• Proven leader in Defence environments (Australian and international), with strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in integrating emerging technologies into complex weapons programs

• Track record of delivering complex development or production programs through empowered, high-performing teams

• Strong stakeholder leadership skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trusted relationships

• Perform Product Design Authority duties as a delegated including chairing design reviews

• Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent), with eligibility for CPEng and Australian engineering registration

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

A Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Internal candidates from FVEY countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) with existing security clearances are encouraged to apply.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/.

In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role. The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. 

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.