Job Description

About Us

IAG Defence & National Security (DNS) is part of IAG, a specialist advisory firm supporting complex infrastructure, Defence and national security programs across Australia.

Our DNS team works closely with Commonwealth agencies and industry partners to deliver specialist expertise into nationally significant programs. Our success depends on our ability to identify, engage and mobilise highly specialised talent quickly and effectively. IAG is recognised as Veteran
Friendly Employer under the Veteran Employment Program.

The Role

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) provides senior-level technical oversight and supervision of fleet engineering functions, ensuring consistent application of engineering standards and governance arrangements. The role strengthens assurance by managing technical risk escalation, supporting engineering endorsement activities, and preventing fragmentation of engineering authority across the organisation.

They manage the maintenance and repair of a vessel's structure, propulsion systems, generators, engines, air conditioners, and electrical distribution systems. They provide daily advice to the Commanding Officer about the current and projected availability and capabilities of the vessel. They also fulfil the role of Damage Control Officer.

They supervise all engineering officers on board and manage performance, career training, and professional development.

They hold qualifications in accordance with the relevant Vessel Management Plan (VMP) and must hold relevant Certificates of Competency and gain an Endorsement Certificate before undertaking designated roles on board Marine Unit vessels. They gain Endorsement Certificates after successfully demonstrating the relevant competencies required for that role.

Key Responsibilities:

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) is responsible for managing the activities associated with the Chief Marine Engineer position, by providing high-quality engineering and technical services for all vessels in the fleet, including:

• Manage regulatory models that govern engineering services and standards for the fleet, to ensure alignment with Australian and international protocols where required.
• Perform the function of the Technical Regulatory Authority for marine capability.
• Contribute to the management of the Marine Safety Management System.
• Undertake strategic planning to best position the organisation's current and future maritime operational maintenance support requirements.
• Providing technical advice on maritime assets, engineering qualifications, personnel, training, and standards.
• Representing the branch on matters related to maritime engineering matters at appropriate interagency, intergovernmental and industry meetings, committees and forums, negotiations and other activities with internal and external clients, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Providing detailed, accurate and timely advice to management relating to marine engineering and policy and procedural matters and deliver other reporting requirements as required.
• Creating complete and accurate records, in accordance with the Recordkeeping Practice Statement and Procedural instruction, Departmental policies; and
• Assist other areas of the Division in ensuring maritime activities are conducted consistent with:
• --the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth), Marine Orders, STCW, MARPOL, SOLAS, and other maritime regulations and Vessel Management Plans;
• --the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) (as they pertain to maritime and shore side operations);
• --Australian Public Service Equity and Diversity provisions, and;
• --Chief Executive Instructions and other Divisional guidelines.

About You

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) will be required to possess formal marine qualifications such as marine engineer qualifications at master’s level in maintenance management or asset management and Naval or Merchant Marine service will be highly regarded.

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) will have maritime experience. Ideal maritime experience will be sea going marine engineer (either Naval or Merchant Marine) or engineering management position at shipyard, ship repair yard, classification society surveyor, marine design.

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) will be required to have an understanding of engineering and associated technical processes for the fleet vessels, quality assurance methodologies, commercial management, and experience with risk management in a complex and changing environment.

The Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) will show comprehensive understanding, critical analysis, and reasoning skills in identifying and addressing complex and/or sensitive issues.

It is essential the Deputy Chief Marine Engineer (Naval Architecture) have highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to cooperatively liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications:

• Possess or able to obtain and maintain an NV1 security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Possess a degree in mechanical /or marine engineering or naval architecture that is recognised by the Institution of Engineers Australia and eligible for Chartered status with a minimum of ten (10) years' experience at a senior level.

Highly Desirable:

• High level of knowledge of Public Sector administrative processes and procedures, particularly those related to national statutory maritime and policy guidelines and personnel management, would be well regarded.

What we offer

With offices in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, we’re a tight-knit team, working across some of Australia’s most critical infrastructure and Defence projects. We come from diverse backgrounds and pride ourselves on our flexible, supportive and collaborative team culture.

We can offer great work, great people, great culture, great conditions, and an all-round great time, whilst you go about developing a great career in this space. As part of IAG, you’ll be joining a team of more than 250 professionals’ working across a range of integrated workstreams in a friendly and approachable environment.