Technical Governance Services

Technical Governance

An Opcomm consultant was selected as a specialist engineering consultant to introduce technical governance across Defence engineering organisations.  Our consultant was appointed to oversee the engineering practices of the Air Force’s Ground Electronic Maintenance Flights (GEMF) and Mechanical Engineering Operations & Maintenance Sections (MEOMS) located at all air bases throughout Australia and overseas. The role required extensive auditing of the maintenance organisations, followed by on-going monitoring of the performance of the GEMFs and MEOMS in achieving their responsibilities.  Detailed reports were prepared and senior staff briefed on issues within the ground electronic environment that may impact on airworthiness or the on-going capability to undertake operations. 

Our consultant successfully introduced a framework for the engineering governance of the GEMF and MEOMS. This included the designed, development and implementation of comprehensive auditing processes to ensure the external units complied with Defence and civilian engineering regulations, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice. In addition, our consultant led a team of three engineering specialists who provided on-site engineering consultative services to the GEMFs and MEOMS and delivered verbal and written briefs on suggestions for improvements.  Our consultant developed meaningful performance indicators under a quality management framework and introduced a systemised reporting process to monitor the availability, reliability and maintainability of the Air Force's radar, aircraft navigational aids, radio systems and the development of technical staff. 

Technical Governance

An Opcomm consultant was selected to manage the operation of a multi-million dollar space-based communications system.  Our consultant was appointed as a Space Operations Officer (SOO) responsible for the command and control of five European Defence geo-stationary communications satellites forming the SKYNET constellation. The role included station-keeping of the satellites, transmitter switching operations and responding quickly to aberrant spacecraft behaviour.    Our consultant led a team of five technical staff employed on a shift cycle, who carried out the spacecraft operations. Other duties included the development and delivery of briefs on strategic satellite communications to senior Defence executives, civilian contractors and community interest groups. 

Technical Governance

An Opcomm consultant provided technical advice to the British Spacecraft Design Authority (SDA) in order to develop procedures for solar sailing that would significantly extend the spacecraft life. Our consultant achieved Category 1 SOO status (the highest level of competence in space-based communications) and formed part of a team of spacecraft experts on call to respond to emergencies or stress on the communications system. In addition, our consultant worked closely with the SDA and prime contractors to refine command procedures to improve safety and apply risk reduction techniques when commanding spacecraft. Following a successful term as a SOO, our consultant was selected as the manager of the ground segment and was responsible for the integrity and availability of the ground communications infrastructure to support the control of the spacecraft.