At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our corporate team is a central hub for Thales Australia. It’s where our shared services – think finance, legal, HR, procurement – come together to make sure our teams across Australia have access to the business services they need. Cross-functional collaboration helps us build out Thales’ capabilities in a robust way – and helps us open up new career opportunities for employees all across the business.

The Head of Quality will lead a team to deliver Quality Assurance for our Above Water systems segment, driving improvements to meet quality objectives, reduce risks, and minimise the Cost of Non-Quality across operations.

Our Above Water Systems team designs, engineers, and supports commercial and naval ships.

The successful candidate will apply a risk-based approach to quality assurance—ensuring compliance, identifying deficiencies, certifying products, mitigating risks, and issuing Alerts or Vetoes when necessary and foster a culture where quality is the responsibility of all employees.

Located centrally in Wooloomooloo's Garden Island, on Gadigal land your role purpose will be –

Deliver accurate assessments of quality performance across the organisation and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Support operational areas to reduce quality risks and minimize the Cost of Non-Quality

Ensure customer commitments are met while balancing cost and schedule constraints

Define and uphold appropriate quality standards aligned with customer requirements

Maintain quality throughout the entire lifecycle of bids, projects, and products

Partner with bid managers to align on quality objectives and expectations

Support stakeholders with performance insights to enable informed, data-driven decisions

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

Strong leadership experience with a customer-centric focus, preferably in complex engineering or industrial settings

Solid understanding of quality and process improvement principles

Strategic influencing skills to drive improvements across the organization

Dedicated to addressing customer needs and enhancing service quality

Excellent communication and collaboration skills for effective teamwork

Numerate and analytical, proficient in Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)

Must have detailed knowledge of the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System

Audit Qualifications (e.g. Lead Auditor) background or qualifications is desirable

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or equivalent qualifications

Lean/Process Improvement certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt).

Preferred qualifications in Data Science or Business Intelligence (e.g., Certified Analytics Professional)

Preferred qualifications in Change Management (e.g., PROSCI)

Must be eligible for Australian Defence Clearance

As part of our commitment, we offer:

Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

Recognised leader in reservist employee support

Veterans Leave

Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Novated Lease options

Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

Personal & professional training development opportunities

Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.