Who’s hiring? 
Founded in 1989, PMB Defence is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and supporting military submarine battery systems. We started with Main Storage Batteries for COLLINS Class submarines, and today our work spans Australia and select international markets — specialising in lead acid, nickel zinc, and lithium battery solutions for naval platforms. We know that minutes of battery life can mean the difference between mission success and failure — and that’s why we build every system to the highest possible standard.

Named SME of the Year at the 2022 Australian Defence Industry Awards, and Defence Exporter of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, we’re proudly based at Osborne and backed by a high-performing team of engineers, technicians, and experts in their field. We’re now looking for a Chief Technology & Engineering Officer to help power the next chapter of our mission — keeping us at the forefront of innovation. 

The opportunity
This is a newly created senior leadership role for an experienced technical expert who thrives on the intersection of product innovation, R&D, and high-stakes delivery. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll be the technical conscience of PMB Defence — providing engineering oversight, technical authority, and strategic leadership across our most critical projects. Your focus? Ensuring the technology we develop (and the products we build) work exactly as they should — when it matters most.

You’ll work closely with our New Technologies business unit and R&D teams on battery systems destined for submarine platforms — projects that are complex and often completely new to industry. 

What you’ll take ownership of:  

• Lead the development and execution of PMB’s technology and product strategy — balancing big-picture innovation with practical execution and customer needs.
• Play a strategic role in identifying and pursuing new opportunities in the market — helping PMB stay ahead of what’s next.
• Act as the organisation’s technical lead and internal advisor — ensuring our products are safe, viable, and performing as promised.
• Act as Product Design Authority, guiding feasibility, risk, and performance reviews across major engineering programs
• Oversee the development of new battery technologies, from early-stage concepts to prototyping, testing, and compliance
• Advise engineering teams and providing technical sign-off at key milestones
• Identify R&D initiatives to improve performance, energy density, safety, and sustainability
• Manage budgets, ensure IP protection, and provide technical input to commercial proposals and stakeholder briefings
• Collaborate across business units to ensure every product meets the demands of its environment — and exceeds expectations.

• A degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
• Extensive experience in a senior technology or engineering leadership role
• Background in Defence, Engineering, or Advanced Manufacturing with a track record of managing complex, high-technology engineering projects
• Deep understanding of product development, systems engineering, and program management
• Eligible for NV1 (ideally NV2) security clearance, and able to meet ITAR requirements
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to align technical decisions with strategic outcomes

• Strategic thinker who doesn’t lose sight of detail
• Committed to mentoring others and lifting capability across the board
• Collaborative by nature, but confident in your expertise
• Calm under pressure — and known for providing clarity in complexity
• Able to balance commercial acumen with engineering depth

• A high-performing, down-to-earth team working on tech that matters
• The chance to shape strategy, lead innovation, and build something truly new
• An Osborne-based role with occasional international travel
• Full-time or part-time flexibility for the right candidate
• The opportunity to do career-defining work—and enjoy the people you do it with