Safety Engineering Lead

Job Location: Edinburgh, Adelaide or Melbourne CBD – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements including working a 9 day fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We are seeking a Safety Engineering Lead to provide leadership on the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) program within our Strategic Surveillance business. You will lead a geographically dispersed team of safety engineers in supporting the development and delivery of safety engineering activities. This key position will report to the Domain Engineering Manager and will be offered on a permanent full time basis. Employment on a permanent part time basis will also be considered.

The JORN Program has a strong and high-performing team culture that takes pride in what we do and how we work together, with a lot to offer for those looking to expand their professional skillset. If you’re motivated by solving complex technical challenges, working in a highly collaborative work environment, and contributing to meaningful projects with real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Core Duties:

• Lead and manage the planning and execution of safety engineering activities in accordance with program schedules
• Provide leadership to a safety engineering team, provide guidance, coach and develop personnel, fostering a high performance culture
• Act as a prime point of contact for program safety engineering matters, collaborate effectively with customers, internal and external stakeholders, establishing good relationships and maintaining a positive work culture
• Lead safety engineering working group meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide safety engineering governance expertise, provide advice and set safety engineering framework guidance on executing safety engineering activities
• Champion and drive the culture of safety engineering best practice, efficiency and continuous improvement
• Lead the identification and assessment of safety engineering hazards, and the development of mitigation strategies

Essential Skills:

• Extensive safety engineering/product safety experience, and safety leadership experience across the entire product lifecycle
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and develop effective working relationships with stakeholders, and the ability to support the development of team members
• Knowledge of safety engineering standards, problem solving and analytical skills
• Whilst not essential, a tertiary engineering degree or experience with safety engineering standards MIL-STD-882, AS61508 or AS62368, will be highly regarded

Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) and Arctic Over The Horizon Radar Team

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is a connected series of three remote over-the-horizon radars (OTHR) located in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The state-of-the-art defence radar system provides wide-area surveillance at ranges of 1,000 to 3,000 kilometres and plays a vital role in supporting the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) air and maritime operations, border protection, disaster relief, and rescue operations.

As the Australian Government’s Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) industry partner for JORN, BAE Systems is looking to mobilise an exceptional team to support a ground-breaking Defence export opportunity for the nation. This is your chance to join a growing team delivering world-leading capability to the Australian and Canadian Governments.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information