Head of Product & Programs
Ali KavanaghListed 17 Sep 2026
Closes 16 Oct 2026
Defence Technology | Robotics | Mechatronics | Product Development
Are you a highly technical leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and working directly with customers to develop innovative solutions?
We're partnering with a growing Australian defence technology business developing advanced mechatronic and automated systems for defence applications. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a suite of cutting-edge products, guiding them from concept through development, customer engagement, commercialisation and ongoing growth.
This position sits at the intersection of engineering, product strategy and customer engagement. You'll work closely with engineering teams, defence end users and key stakeholders to identify problems, shape solutions and ensure products deliver genuine operational outcomes.
We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable discussing technical architecture with engineers as they are engaging customers, identifying opportunities and influencing product direction.
Your new role
- Lead the development and delivery of complex mechatronic and automated defence products.
- Act as the voice of the customer, translating operational requirements into product roadmaps and technical solutions.
- Work directly with Defence customers and end users to understand challenges, identify opportunities and drive product-market fit.
- Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams across product development, testing and delivery activities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance across robotics, automation, integration and advanced technology projects.
- Lead problem-solving efforts, technical investigations and root cause analysis for complex product and system issues.
- Drive continuous improvement across product development processes, governance and delivery frameworks.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, technology partners and industry stakeholders.
- Support strategic growth initiatives including business development activities, bids, partnerships and new product opportunities.
- Influence product strategy, commercialisation and future technology investment decisions
What you'll need to succeed
- Significant experience leading complex engineering, product development or technology programs.
- Strong background within mechatronics, robotics, automation, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing or defence technologies.
- Experience operating at a senior level with ownership of products, programs or technology portfolios.
- Product Owner, Product Manager, Program Manager or Engineering Leadership experience highly regarded.
- Ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and customers.
- Proven capability working through complex technical challenges and developing practical customer-focused solutions.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience interacting directly with customers and end users.
- Exposure to business development, capture, product commercialisation or strategic growth activities would be highly advantageous.
- Excellent leadership, communication and mentoring skills.
- Australian Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance.
What you'll get in return
- Work on genuinely innovative defence technologies.
- Influence the direction of future products and capabilities.
- High level of autonomy and visibility across the business.
- Opportunity to combine technical leadership, product ownership and customer engagement.
- Be part of a growing organisation where you can shape both technology and business outcomes.
This role would suit a senior engineering leader, product owner, technical program manager or product development specialist who enjoys working closely with customers, solving complex technical challenges and bringing innovative solutions to market.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Please click here to apply.