Job Description Summary

This role leads contract support for existing Australian Defence programs and partners with the business to capture new opportunities across the APAC region. It also owns delivery of Australian Defence security compliance under the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) as the Businesses Chief Security Officer (CSO). The role can be based in Ipswich or Brisbane, with a requirement to be onsite in Brisbane at least once per week.

Job Description

Company Overview:

Working at GE Aerospace means you are bringing your unique perspective, innovative spirit, drive, and curiosity to a collaborative and diverse team working to advance aerospace for future generations. If you have ideas, we will listen. Join us and see your ideas take flight!

Site Overview:

GE Aerospace in Australia has sites in Brisbane, Newcastle, Richmond, Bundamba, and Matraville. Since 2005, we’ve driven innovation and supported avionics, propeller, and power systems across a diverse range of aircraft platforms for our customers. At our Brisbane facility, you'll work with highly skilled technicians on cutting-edge technology for civilian and military aircraft. We are committed to developing early career talent through student-focused programs and fostering a culture of respect and community support. Be part of a team that values giving back and making a difference in the aerospace industry.

Role Overview:

The contracts component supports the Defense & Systems business across the full contract lifecycle (“cradle to grave”), partnering closely with product lines and program teams in government and commercial contracting environments. The Defense & Systems Contracts Team serves as part of the primary interface to government, airframer, and commercial procurement customers, accountable for contracting activities through all program phases: proposal strategy, solution development, production, sustainment, and closeout.

In this role, you will provide expert guidance on customer relationships and regulations, contract terms and conditions, price and profit negotiation, risk identification and mitigation, and scope/change management. As a trusted business partner, Contracts collaborates across functions to achieve business objectives while balancing customer expectations and compliance obligations.

The security compliance component ensures alignment to Australian Defence security requirements under DISP for the Australian business entity.  As CSO you will have responsibility for the Australian business entity and from a Security officer (SO) perspective will look after the Brisbane site. This includes elements such as personnel security and clearances, policy and security plan implementation, and security advisory and training, supporting a strong security culture aligned to customer expectations (including the Australian Department of Defence).

Roles and Responsibilities

• Contracting leadership
  • Directly support multiple government, airframer, and commercial contracts of varying type and complexity (including fixed price, cost reimbursement, prime, and subcontract).
  • Partner cross-functionally to assess and negotiate ASDEFCON requirements and commercial terms and conditions for solicitations and contracts.
  • Provide end-to-end contract lifecycle support across multiple programs, including solicitation assessment, proposal strategy and compilation, audit and negotiation support, contract administration, change management, claims/disputes management, and closeout.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships and provide clear, timely communication and contract execution discipline.
  • Regularly advise functional and business leadership, applying sound judgment to complex matters, driving recommendations and outcomes.
  • Interpret internal and external business challenges and apply best practices to improve contract execution, processes, and results.
  • Stay informed of industry and regulatory trends that could impact contracting strategy or execution.
  • Demonstrate commitment to compliance, quality, and on-time execution, with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Security compliance leadership (DISP)
  • Act as primary point of contact with DISP to maintain accreditation and the ability to conduct business with the Australian Defence Force.
  • Promote and enable an effective security culture aligned to key customer expectations, including the Australian Department of Defence.
  • Review and update Security Plans and Procedures documentation supporting GE Aviation Systems Australia (GEASA) programs.
  • Conduct Suitability Assessments for GEASA programs as required.
  • Formally Declare and Submit reports such as the Annual Security Report (ASR)
  • Manage site security under the Industry Entity’s DISP membership, including, but not limited to:
    • Monitoring the ongoing suitability of sponsored cleared personnel, including security attitudes and behaviours.
    • Notifying AGSVA when a clearance holder no longer requires access or separates
    • Provide security guidance, coaching, and training to SO's, employees and leaders.
    • Support security incident management, including coordination, documentation, and follow-through on corrective actions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in applicable field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in government, commercial, or international contract formation and execution.
• Strong domain expertise in commercial terms and conditions and ASDEFCON.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with proven interpersonal, influencing, and leadership capability.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and resolve problems and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong advocate for continuous improvement and Lean fundamentals.
• Must hold Australian citizenship at the time of application.
• Holds an Australian Defence security clearance, or the ability to obtain/maintain one (mandatory for the role).
• Periodic travel required both interstate and overseas.
• Ability to work across multiple time zones including early morning and occasional late evening teleconferences with stakeholders locally and in the US.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong project management capability and execution rigor.
• Deep working knowledge of ASDEFCON.
• Experience working with Defence or within a DISP-accredited organisation.
• Knowledge of DSPF controls relating to personnel security clearances and security incident management.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Competitive parental leave and family support
• Health, wellbeing, and EAP resources
• Fitness reimbursement and discounted health cover
• Superannuation, salary sacrifice, and insurance benefits
• Employee discounts and cashback offers
• Learning, development, and global career opportunities
• Recognition and reward programs

At GE Aerospace, we have a relentless dedication to the future of safe and more sustainable flight and believe in our talented people to make it happen. Here, you will have the opportunity to work on really cool things with really smart and collaborative people. Together, we will mobilize a new era of growth in aerospace and defense. Where others stop, we accelerate.

Additional Information