Job Title:  Work Health & Safety Specialist

• Melbourne

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. We deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry. 

Our determination to deliver and improve today, and anticipate and improve tomorrow, makes QinetiQ a very exciting and rewarding place to work and learn. 

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact, there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

Reporting to the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Lead, the Work Health & Safety (WHS) Specialist is responsible for helping to ensure that the QinetiQ work health and safety policy and standards are implemented effectively across all QinetiQ Australian activities, whilst also complying with state based legislative requirements. This role provides specialist functional support and advice at all levels within the organisation in Australia, in addition to identifying, implementing, and leveraging WHS solutions and best practice.  

It is an important role and it is one that needs a special person who not only knows the technical side of the house but also one who can coach, guide and bring others on the journey.

If this role becomes yours, you will:

• Be responsible for the QinetiQ Australia work, health and safety arrangements and help ensure their appropriate and effective implementation across the Australian operations
• Define and oversee the QinetiQ Australia Safety Management System
• Effectively implement the QinetiQ 3-lines of assurance model
• Present a full and accurate picture of QinetiQ Australia work, health and safety performance for senior management review and action
• Engage and consult to support an open, inclusive, positive work, health and safety culture which will identify improvements, help maintain legal compliance and minimise risks
• Provide oversight and guidance for the training and development of those in critical safety roles
• Provide specialist work, health and safety arrangements advice and support to all levels within the QinetiQ Australia organisation
• Review safety performance across QinetiQ Australia, including audits and major incidents improvements to completion and escalating as appropriate.
• Continuously improve systems to manage and monitor health and safety performance and monitor compliance

In terms of qualifications, skills and experience, as our ideal applicant, you will present with:

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree or an equivalent nationally recognised professional qualification coupled with substantial post qualification experience in the work, health and safety leadership in the defence industry or in a similar, high-risk engineering/ industrial related industry
• Expert knowledge and experience in the implementation of work, health and safety regulations
• Experience in audit and incident management processes and systems
• Superior organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Results driven and improvement orientation 
• A collaborative and engaging style including an ability to bring others on the journey

Due to the nature of our business, applicants must also be Australian citizens and eligible for Australian Defence security clearance.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach, Talent Acquisition (clriach@qinetiq.com.au).  A position description is available upon request.

Closing date for applications is 6 Feb 2026.

#LI-CR1

#LI-Hybrid

Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success, and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional development
• Flexible work
• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Annual incentive scheme
• Complimentary salary continuance insurance
• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
• Relaxed dress code

As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans and First Nations people. 

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.