LNIC Generic System Architectures Research and Development Engineer

⁠⁠⁠Scope of Task:

1. The Commonwealth requires the services of a Level 4 Expert Practitioner Australian Generic Systems Architectures (AS GxA) Research and Development Engineer to supplement the contractor and military workforce within the Army Land Network Integration Centre (LNIC).

2. The position is a research and development based role, with responsibility for solving complex ICT problems which are identified as part of the development and/ or maturing of various aspects of the AS GxA; as defined by the Commonwealth AS GxA representative.

3. Such ICT problems will consist of electronic systems hardware, software, computing, wired/wireless communication, networking, and modelling / simulation aspects, including the interdependencies with Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) and Human Systems Integration (HSI). The resolution of such complex ICT problems will be reported in writing and demonstrated via a laboratory test system or modelling and simulation system within the AS GxA Integration laboratory.

4. The GxA DEF(AUST) Standards are a suite of documents which inform the design and manufacture of military land platform systems, delivering standardisation of materiel systems via standardised interface open architecture definitions (Interfaces; SWaP, digital, HSI). The intent is to improve military preparedness and effectiveness via materiel systems which are integrated, adaptable, interoperable, affordable and effective.

5. The GxA achieves this through a suite of DEF(AUST) standards for each platform as well as supplementary requirements as necessary being:

a. Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA),
b. Generic Soldier Architecture (GSA),
c. Generic Simulation Architecture (GSimA)
d. Generic Robotics and Autonomous Systems Architecture (GRASA)
e. Generic Base Architecture (GBA), and
f. Australian Land Data Model.

6. Work is ongoing to refine these products to meet the Land Force’s needs, to identify the requirements and responsibilities for the development and implementation of new standards and architectures, and the review and update of other standards and architectures across the Land and Joint Force. LNIC will be responsible for the ongoing review, maintenance, and development of these artefacts in order to ensure they reflect emerging capabilities and satisfy project integration needs.

7. The GxA Research and Development Engineer will be responsible for conducting systematic investigations and studies to establish facts, and to reach sufficiently confident conclusions for ad hoc complex ICT problems anticipated to be recurring through the process of GxA document maturation. The outputs of these activities are intended to inform the GxA standards as well as be socialised with numerous internal and external Defence stakeholders across acquisition, sustainment, academia and industry.

8. The GxA Research and Development Engineer will be working within an agile multi-disciplinary capability delivery team including engineers (software, computer, mechatronics, electronic, mechanical etc.), business analysts, designers, developers, architects, administrators, testers and military capability managers. Externally, they will be working with other Australian Government departments, industry partners/private enterprise and international coalition partners. Working as part of the Australian Army LNIC team offers a friendly, flexible and supportive environment, with a highly capable, reputable and innovative organisation. In addition, access to a range of benefits is included, such as flexible work practices, access to leading practitioners and processes within Defence, Defence Industry, and Military Digital Integration domains (domestic and international).

9. The GxA Research and Development Engineer will also provide a central point of excellence for academic and Defence research and publication for the GxA. They will have access to Defence’s network through Army Headquarters, such as the Australian Army Research Centre, and the Defence Science and Technology Group. They will be responsible for the coordination and publication of integration, architecture, engineering, and other LNIC relevant articles to broaden Defence’s understanding of Digital Integration, and enhance the technical and academic profile of the LNIC and the Army.

10. The duration of this contract is expected to be from 18th October 2021 to 30th June 2023. Additional three by one year extensions, out to a maximum of five years, may be considered.

11. It is expected that the majority of services delivered under this contract will be at the LNIC facility in Symonston, ACT. Interstate and international travel may be required to support Army exercises and integration activities.

Deliverables:

1. The contractor engaged under this RFQTS will be employed on a time and materials basis.

2. Notwithstanding a change in Army requirements, the following deliverables are envisaged during the term of this engagement:

a. Design and report on research strategy including current State of Knowledge (literature review), problem/ topic definition, proposed methodology to build the study, identifying credible information source(s), testing/ experimentation, sampling, modelling and simulation techniques,
b. Design (layout) and author periodic, high-quality reports that detail the set of actions undertaken to research a specific question and present and discuss research results/ findings and course of action recommendations,
c. Conduct periodic laboratory demonstrations of both research/ study techniques and their outcomes,
d. Support GxA DEF(AUST) technical writing where incorporation of research and developments activities is required,
e. Ensure the fitness for purpose of research and development activities as contribu