Meet David Brown

Dave joined SPA Australia in 2019 after a successful 24-year career in the Royal Australian Navy.  As a submarine and surface combatant Weapons Electrical Engineering.

Officer Dave completed multiple operational deployments and Maritime capability development and acquisition roles. As Director-Maritime Dave is responsible for SPA’s Maritime Domain professional services.

Q Tell us how you came to join SPA.

A I joined SPA Australia in 2019, shortly after its establishment. I had previously worked closely with SPA Global between 2009 and 2011 as Technical Requirements Manager for the Future Submarine Project, where I led the application of operations research and model-based systems engineering to support capability definition and informed decision-making. During this period, SPA collaborated with Navy to develop a robust framework for aligning capability requirements with Australian Government direction, using rigorous analytical methods and modelling to objectively assess options and provide an evidence-based foundation for decision-making. 

I found this work highly rewarding and, when invited to join SPA as a Senior Military Operations Research Analyst, saw a unique opportunity to specialise further and work alongside leading experts in the field. Having recently transitioned from Navy to academia, I chose to join SPA Australia motivated by its culture and the opportunity to contribute to some of the nation’s most complex and critical security challenges. 

Q What is your proudest moment in a professional context?

A As one of two Engineering Department Heads, I had the honour to contribute to the successful completion of submarine and surface combatant operational workups following major system upgrades and personnel change-outs. This was a truly collaborative effort, and a proud moment in my career.

Q As a manager of people what is your biggest challenge?

A It can be challenging to balance client tasks and individual or team engagements across different client sites and commitments. There is always one more time-sensitive task that needs attention that can throw off the balance when those you work with are in separate locations, whether in the same city or on the other side of the world. 

Q What advice do you give to someone starting out in a career?

A Always ask questions and actively seek feedback and advice. You always learn from mistakes—so own them when they are yours—no one is perfect—but if you can avoid some by learning from others’ mistakes, then that can be a more pleasant, albeit not as memorable, experience.

Q What keeps you awake at night?

A Inconsiderate scheduling of English Premier League and UEFA European League games.

Q With an eye to the future, what does success look like for you?

A Professionally, I aim to continue performing interesting and challenging work that delivers tangible benefits and outcomes. Personally, I aim to support my family in pursuing their dreams and interests, both personally and professionally.

Q Away from work, what is your passion?

A Watching professional soccer, having been banned from playing by my wife after a fractured skull and spiral fracture to my leg in successive seasons. I also enjoy regularly inflicting my ‘allegedly’ poor taste in music (e.g. Nightwish, Sabaton, Within Temptation, etc) on my family.