Defence Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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As an Associate Director – Structural Engineer (NSQEP), you will provide technical leadership on complex structural engineering projects across the defence, research and nuclear sectors. With extensive experience in seismic engineering and safety-critical infrastructure, you will lead the design, analysis and delivery of complex structures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and the highest standards of technical excellence. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will play a key role in mentoring engineers, supporting clients and delivering practical engineering solutions.

This role is based in Adelaide. Suitable candidates will be considered for relocation. 

How you'll make a difference:

• Lead the structural and seismic design of complex buildings and safety-critical facilities within the defence, research and nuclear sectors.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight as an NSQEP, ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards and safety requirements.
• Deliver advanced structural and seismic analysis, including dynamic assessment, seismic qualification and resilience studies.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating with clients, stakeholders and technical specialists.
• Review and assure the quality of structural engineering deliverables across all project phases.
• Support nuclear safety cases, regulatory submissions and technical justifications for complex projects.
• Mentor and develop engineers while contributing to the growth of AECOM's technical capability and client relationships.

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

The qualities that help you thrive:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; postgraduate qualifications in seismic or nuclear engineering are advantageous.
• 15+ years' experience in structural engineering, including significant experience on complex seismic structures and safety-critical projects.
• Demonstrated experience as a Nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (NSQEP) or within highly regulated nuclear environments.
• Chartered Engineer and Registered Professional Engineer (or equivalent professional accreditation).
• Strong knowledge of Australian and international seismic, nuclear and structural design standards.
• Proficiency in advanced structural analysis and engineering software, including FEA packages, ETABS, SpaceGass and RAPT.
• Proven leadership, communication and project delivery skills within multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Due to the nature of our projects, the ability to obtain suitable defence clearance (AUKUS) is required. 

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year         
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
• Continuous learning and growth - lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.