Combat Systems Engineer

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted healthcare

Retail and car purchase discounts

Exclusive industry benefits

Up to 20 days Reservist Leave

Veteran support & Inclusion Initiives

Job summary

Downer Professional Services seeks a Combat Systems Engineer for Canberra to support Defence, government, and infrastructure projects. You will bring strong knowledge of Navy systems, lead installations, upgrades, and integrations, and troubleshoot complex issues to ensure operational readiness.

The role requires experience with Combat Management Systems and naval weapons, plus ability to advise senior leadership on technical matters and integrate systems across platforms.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in systems engineering, certification, and sustainment of combat systems within Defence, government, or professional services.
• Engineering qualifications or certifications in Electrical or Systems disciplines OR equivalent Defence Industry experience.
• Familiarity with ASDEFCON processes, Defence Capability Lifecycle (CLC), and naval combat systems.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise complex tasks, and manage engineering investigations.
• Previous experience working with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), CASG, or Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Strong knowledge of how equipment would be used in an operational environment.
• Combat Systems and Combat Management Systems, including Aegis, Saab AusCMS; weapon systems including RAN Missile systems, RAN Small arms.
• Managing system installations, upgrades, and integration projects, ensuring timely delivery and operational efficiency.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex system issues, ensuring operational readiness.
• Collaborating with specialists to integrate weapons and communication systems into broader naval operations.
• Advising senior leadership on technical matters, contributing to the development of future naval technologies.

Skills

Combat Systems

Systems Engineering

Certification

Defence Industry Experience

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical / Systems) or Defence Industry experience

Tools

ASDEFCON processes

Defence Capability Lifecycle (CLC)

Naval Combat Systems familiarity

Job description

At Downer Professional Services (DPS), we work on complex and meaningful Defence, government, and infrastructure projects that shape Australia's future. Our people are at the heart of what we do, bringing expertise, innovation, and leadership to critical programs.

In support of our business units, Mission Engineering, Advisory and Technical Services, and Team Downer as the prime Major Service Provider (MSP) we deliver above the line consulting services and Integrated Work Packages across the Department of Defence, including groups (Defence Digital Group (DDG), Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), the services (Navy, Army and Air Force).

We are seeking skilled Combat Systems Engineer for our consulting services in Canberra with strong knowledge of Navy organisational structure.

If successful in securing a role, your work may involve:

• Strong knowledge of how equipment would be used in an operational environment.
• Combat Systems and Combat Management Systems, including Aegis, Saab AusCMS; weapon systems including RAN Missile systems, RAN Small arms
• Managing system installations, upgrades, and integration projects, ensuring timely delivery and operational efficiency.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex system issues, ensuring operational readiness.
• Collaborating with specialists to integrate weapons and communication systems into broader naval operations.
• Advising senior leadership on technical matters, contributing to the development of future naval technologies.

All applicants must be Australian citizens and able to hold Australian Security Clearance (AGSVA). Additionally, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may be necessary. In some cases, this may impose restrictions on individuals with dual nationality, permanent residency, or former nationality of specific countries as outlined in ITAR 126.1.

We are seeking candidates with defence industry experience in the follow areas:

• Strong experience in systems engineering, certification, and sustainment of combat systems within Defence, government, or professional services.
• Relevant qualifications or certifications in Engineering (Electrical, Systems, or related disciplines) OR equivalent Defence Industry experience.
• Familiarity with ASDEFCON processes, Defence Capability Lifecycle (CLC), and naval combat systems.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise complex tasks, and manage engineering investigations.
• Previous experience working with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), CASG, or Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) is highly regarded.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why join Downer Professional Services?

At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace, we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

• Be first in line for future opportunities - By joining our talent network, you'll receive priority consideration for upcoming roles that align with your skills and career goals, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.
• Work on projects that matter - You'll have the chance to contribute to career-defining projects that support Australia's sovereign capability and national security, delivering real impact in Defence, government, and infrastructure.
• Invest in your growth - We believe in continuous learning. Whether it's through structured career mapping, mentoring, training programs, or our Summer and Winter Schools for accelerated learning, we provide the resources to help you advance in your career.
• Collaborate with Industry experts - You'll work alongside highly skilled professionals and leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment, where knowledge-sharing and professional development are at the core of what we do.
• Enjoy a range of perks & benefits - As part of Perks@Downer, you'll have access to discounted healthcare, savings on retail and car purchases, and exclusive industry benefits to support your lifestyle.
• Strong veteran support & Inclusion Initiatives - We actively support Defence veterans with policies including up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to help you transition while staying connected to post service.

Downer Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace-we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.