Ryan supported the Tomahawk Missile Program, a major acquisition of a Military-Off-The-Shelf product requiring detailed integration into the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) complex surface fleet systems. He played a key role in assisting the lead engineer and project manager, both of whom were new to their roles. He routinely reviewed and analysed technical information related to explosive materials and missile functions to ensure safety and suitability for service within the RAN.

Drawing on his in-depth knowledge of Defence explosive ordnance regulatory frameworks and ADF operational requirements, he led the design, development, testing, evaluation, and verification of explosive ordnance integration. Ryan also managed the planning, execution, and reporting of integration activities, including Safety and Suitability for Service assessments. He provided technical input and review for weapon systems engineering tasks, ensuring alignment with operational objectives.

Additionally, he contributed to broader systems engineering functions such as requirements analysis, system safety, configuration audits, and verification and validation processes. As a subject matter expert, he supported risk analysis efforts by identifying and mitigating key technical and operational risks associated with ordnance integration

Ryan served as the Project Support Officer to Systems Engineering on the Land 500 Phase 1 project, where he played a pivotal role in the delivery and transition into service of a suite of electronic warfare systems. Operating within a constrained timeline, he supported key systems and software engineering activities across the full acquisition lifecycle. This included involvement in the Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews, support to detailed design and development phases, and preparation and scheduling of technical reviews for both equipment and software components.

He contributed to risk management, configuration audits, and the execution of Acceptance Test and Evaluation, working directly with suppliers to verify performance specifications in Factory Acceptance Tests. Ryan ensured compliance with the Configuration Management Plan across both acquisition and utilisation phases, drafting and reviewing major documentation including the Systems Engineering Management Plan, Material Safety Assessment, and Verification and Validation Plan. He also developed and maintained critical artefacts such as the Verification Cross-Reference Matrix, Acceptance Test Reports, and the Contract Master Schedule.

Ryan supported the certification of engineering documentation from subcontractors and the prime integrator, ensuring alignment with Defence technical requirements. He successfully transitioned the project into utilisation by delivering key planning, risk, and engineering deliverables. Beyond engineering responsibilities, he also developed a human experience-focused consulting service offering and led the review and response to AUSTender documents for Defence’s Land portfolio. His work contributed significantly to the successful fielding of a complex, high-value Defence capability.

Ryan held the role of Software Product Delivery Lead at Elbit Systems of Australia, where he was responsible for supporting the delivery of the C4I Battle Management System under LAND 200 Phases One and Two. He operated within an Agile development environment and led the transformation of Functional Performance Specifications (FPS) into structured product backlogs consisting of epics, features, and user stories. He played a key role in bridging the gap between client expectations and technical design by contributing to design reviews, preparing test documentation, and validating software against Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) doctrine and requirements.

In LAND 200 Phase One, Ryan worked closely with Scrum Masters and development teams to progress software features through design, build, and test stages, culminating in successful Verification and Validation (V&V), System Integration Testing (SIT), and Acceptance Test and Evaluation (ATE). In Phase Two, he was promoted to manage software epics and took on a more senior role in coordinating teams and resolving technical limitations. He also contributed to the adoption of DevOps practices and improvements in software lifecycle management tools.

Ryan’s broader systems engineering contributions included the design of Machine-Assisted Decision-Making tools and automated rehearsal processes for decentralised digitised forces. He also supported the interface design for software-controlled armoured vehicle turrets. His ability to manage scope, cost, and schedule was evident in his analysis of product delivery for LAND 200-2. His subject matter expertise in data integration and capability development consistently enhanced solution robustness and system performance.

Ryan served as an Infantry Officer in the Australian Army, where he delivered critical operational capabilities in highly dynamic and resource-constrained environments. Over several years, he held leadership appointments across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, including deployments overseas, instructional postings, and senior planning roles within combined arms and joint force environments.

In these roles, Ryan successfully led teams of up to 900 personnel, managing complex operations that required coordination across multiple units and external agencies. He consistently delivered outcomes under pressure by combining clear mission focus with agile decision-making, effective delegation, and disciplined resource management. His ability to motivate and mentor diverse teams enabled high performance and resilience in austere conditions.

Ryan was regularly tasked with representing the operational requirements of his unit to senior Defence leadership and interagency partners. Through this work, he developed a strong command of stakeholder communication, negotiation, and the ability to advocate for outcomes aligned with both immediate needs and long-term objectives. 

His experience planning and certifying domestic contingency operations and large-scale international training exercises also gave him deep exposure to strategic planning cycles and operational design. This included scenario design, risk management, and cross-domain integration across land, sea, and air components. His military background forms the foundation of his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and mission-focused delivery in complex environments.