Senior Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineer

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. We deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Our determination to deliver and improve today, and anticipate and improve tomorrow, makes QinetiQ a very exciting and rewarding place to work and learn.

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

This is a senior, hands-on engineering role based at a customer site in Port Melbourne on Fishermans Bend, focused on keeping complex experimental/test facilities safe, reliable and technically capable.

The successful candidate will provide senior technical leadership across control systems, instrumentation and data acquisition (DAQ). They’ll work closely with the Facility Manager and broader engineering team, combining technical authority with practical facility support.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Control systems & automation: Developing, maintainining and troubleshooting PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial automation, communications, signal conditioning and DAQ systems.
• Engineering lifecycle leadership: Leading work from requirements and design through integration, testing, commissioning and ongoing sustainment.
• Test facility operations: Supporting and leading the safe operation of facilities and equipment during testing, maintenance, commissioning and upgrades.
• Troubleshooting: Leading fault investigation and root cause analysis, with an emphasis on reducing facility downtime.
• Instrumentation & calibration: Managing calibration programs covering sensors, transducers, instrumentation and measurement equipment, including certification and audit records.
• Asset sustainment: Managing instrumentation/control-system assets, inventory, configuration information and technical documentation throughout their lifecycle.
• Technical assurance: Ensuring engineering outputs meet applicable safety, quality, regulatory, engineering and client governance requirements.
• Facility development: Identifing technologies and solutions that improve capability, reliability and operational effectiveness, including modernisation and technology refresh.
• Commercial/technical input: Developing engineering estimates, technical proposals, quotations and work packages.
• Stakeholder management: Working with client representatives, technical authorities, operators, maintainers and multidisciplinary project teams.

To be successful in the position, you will need to bring with you:

• Substantial experience across control systems + instrumentation + DAQ + industrial automation, rather than expertise in just one of those areas.
• Experience working with complex facilities or experimental/test environments.
• Practical experience with test and evaluation, including equipment integration, checkout and operation.
• Strong diagnostic skills covering fault-finding and root cause analysis.
• Experience operating and maintaining facilities safely, including calibration, maintenance and upgrades.
• An understanding of engineering compliance, standards, regulation and client governance.
• Ideally, experience managing calibration records, facility certification and quality/audit documentation.
• Engineering Degree qualifications (Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic, Electrical, Control Systems or a related discipline)

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must hold an Australian Defence security clearance, NV1 minimum or have the ability to obtain one.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Katrina Thorburn, Talent Acquisition Specialist, on mobile: 0475 922 069 or via email; katrina.thorburn@qinetiq.com.au

Applications will close on 6th November 2026.

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As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever-changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage, we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans, and First Nations people.

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.