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Job Title


Assistant Director - Space Programs


Company : Australian Public Service Commission


Location : Adelaide, Australia


Created : 2025-05-27


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

From 1 April 2025 the Public Service Regulations introduce a new approach to review of promotion decisions. To find out more go to mpc.gov.auOffice arrangements will be negotiated with successful candidates.Learn how a merit list or pool may be usedLearn how a merit list or pool may be usedApplicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy, may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia.For more information about Merit Lists or Merit Pools please go to APSC''s website - The APS Merit PrincipleDepartment of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)Various locations - ACT ACT, Various locations - NSW NSW, Various locations - NT NT, Various locations - QLD QLD, Various locations - SA SA, Various locations - TAS TAS, Various locations - VIC VIC, Various locations - WA WAAbout the departmentThe Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Governments economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regionsInvesting in science and technologyStrengthening the resources sector.The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in peoples lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australias future.Please see theAPSCs APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.About the teamThe Australian Space Agency provides government leadership on civil space capability to improve the lives of Australians and strengthen our society. The Agency ensures that Australias space activities contribute to Australias national interest and broader Government objectives, including enhanced economic resilience, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and national security.Our agents deliver meaningful outcomes that will benefit our nation long into the future.The Agencys functions include:Leadership of policy and coordination of civil space activities across government,Shaping and growing national space capability, including delivery of Agency programs,Leading international civil space engagement for economic and strategic benefit, in alignment with Australian foreign policy objectives,Promoting a responsible, effectively regulated space sector, while delivering on our international obligations,Promoting the value and benefits of space to the community, including to inspire a highly skilled workforce.The Space Capability Branch:is responsible for providing whole-of-government strategic guidance and leadership on national space capability and needs through scoping activities, expert advice, and technical due diligencesupports the growth and uptake of space applications and delivery of the Agency''s programs in alignment with critical technology priorities, to grow a trusted and responsible Australian space sectorinforms and contributes to the delivery of the Agency''s engagement priorities with local and international industry, space agencies and the scientific community to support Australias national space objectives.The role will be positioned within the Space Programs section in the Space Capability Branch.The opportunityThis role will be an opportunity to:deliver Australian Space capability programs such as the Moon to Mars initiative, andlead the associated strategic focus, scoping and concept development in Space technologies, Exploration, Robotics and Automation to support the Governments critical technology priorities enabled by space.As the Assistant Director, Space Programs, you will work across government, industry, and academia to ensure Australia continues to benefit from space capability development. You will have an opportunity to work alongside individuals with government, industry, and space expertise, including technical, policy, international engagement, regulatory, and communications specialisations.Our ideal candidateOur ideal candidate will:have a career history in working on space projects in a technical and or programmatic/ mission assurance roles and in the application of advanced technologies to broader societal outcomes.be able to facilitate the development and successful shepherding of technical advice for mission assuranceapply strategic thinking and use your existing network across government and the sector to achieve outcomes and to creatively solve complex project delivery challenges.have excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills build coalitions of support among disparate stakeholder groups.not be daunted by complexity and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.The key duties of the position include:As the Assistant Director, Space Programs, you will consult and coordinate with all levels of Australian government, industry and academia (including Agency''s grantees) to achieve the program objectives.You will:Provide strategic guidance to identify and develop new program opportunities to achieve priority area objectives.Lead a high performing cross-functional team to ensure program delivery with a high degree of integrity.Anticipate and plan resourcing to ensure effective program delivery including budgets, personnel, resource management, WHS, technical and programmatic risk management, training, performance, and reporting requirements.Prepare and support briefings and reports.Program management of the Trailblazer lunar rover program outcomes which includes management of Agency program team and deliverables leading to and including successful delivery of the Critical Design Review and the phases B, C, D and E leading to the launch of the Roo-ver.Liaise and lead key national and international stakeholder engagements to ensure alignment of stakeholders required for successful delivery of the program.Risk Management for technical programs handling Technical and Programmatic risk registers and mitigations.Provision of Subject Matter Expertise based on expertise and experience in one or more relevant areas: space systems, space mission design, space operations, and/or space robotics.Maintain awareness of the state of the art for the space sector of sufficient depth to act as a technical authority for the Agency. Including representation of the Agency at national and international exploration focused forum and participation in international exploration missions as subject matter expert.Provide expert advice to government on space related science and technology and its applications including:missionsmission architectureroboticsautomation on other grant funded projects supported by the Agency in programs such as Moon to Mars Demonstrator, Supply Chain and International Space Investment.Identify and develop opportunities for Australian robotics and automation capabilities that support the growth and capability of the Australian space and adjoining sectors.To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.NotesRelevant experience in program management and background in space sector is highly regarded.A degree or equivalent in STEM topics and/or relevant professional experience is mandatory.A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is SA - Adelaide based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)The departments Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australias First Peoples.We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the jobs contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at inclusion@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you. #J-18808-Ljbffr