Qualifications
Key Qualifications for Success:Accredited degree in Architecture with current registration as an Architect in Australia or a commitment to obtain registration.15+ years of relevant experience demonstrating SQEP competence in nuclear, defence, or other safety-critical sectors, with proven architectural leadership on high-regulation infrastructure projects.Extensive experience leading architectural design in complex defence and nuclear environments.In-depth understanding of architectural design within nuclear regulated environments and the defence sector.Comprehensive knowledge of:Nuclear safety frameworks (IAEA standards, ONR SAPs/TAGs, ANNPSR regulations).Defence and government design assurance standards.Hazard management and ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) methodologies in facility design.ISO 19443 nuclear quality management and configuration control.
About the job
The Nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced (NSQEP) Technical Director of Architecture plays a pivotal role in providing senior leadership for the planning, design, and execution of defence infrastructure projects across Australia. This position merges architectural excellence with nuclear safety expertise, ensuring that all facilities are conceptualized, designed, and delivered in accordance with the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR), Defence standards, and international best practices set by the IAEA and ONR.
As the Technical Director, you will be instrumental in shaping the design strategy, directing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring governance over architectural outputs that directly relate to nuclear safety cases and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will serve as a strategic advisor to all stakeholders and industry partners, ensuring that safety, resilience, and operational readiness are embedded in every architectural decision.
Your Impact:
- Strategic Leadership: Formulate design strategies and governance frameworks for architectural outputs aligned with nuclear safety and regulatory licensing.
- Team Leadership: Mentor and guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outputs that meet defence standards and best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a strategic advisor to stakeholders and industry partners, incorporating safety, resilience, and operational readiness into all architectural decisions.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensure all facilities are designed and delivered in strict adherence to regulatory and industry standards.
About AECOM
“I work for AECOM because we tackle a broad engineering landscape, challenging our consultancy and engineering skills through remarkable projects. Our diverse expertise across regions makes anything achievable.” – Sean O'Leary, Practice Leader, Building Services VIC + SAAt AECOM, we believe everyone has a role to play.Defence infrastructure challenges in Australia and New Zealand are complex, involving the development of physical infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and human capital. Our team has earned the trust of Defence by delivering consistent results and forming genuine partnerships over decades. Behind every Defence project is a dedicated team of skilled professionals committed to national security through technical excellence and deep insight.