Program Manager - (Mission Systems)

Trinzic; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Competitive salary (Defence sector)

Paid parental leave

Income protection

Career development

Job summary

KBR is seeking an experienced Program Manager - Mission Systems in Brisbane to lead delivery of high‑profile Defence programs. You will partner with Defence customers, industry partners and internal teams to ensure delivery excellence, strong commercial performance and successful capture and transition activities.

We value strategic thinking, autonomy and proven ability to manage multi‑discipline teams in volatile environments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex Defence or government programs.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in demanding environments.
• Strong governance, controls and performance reporting capabilities.
• Engage and influence senior customer and executive stakeholders.
• NV1 security clearance or the ability to obtain it.
• Desirable program management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP).

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of complex Defence programs, projects and work packages.
• Develop and execute project management plans, schedules and governance frameworks.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to project managers and delivery teams.
• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Defence industry experience

Strategic thinking

Education

Engineering/PM degree or related

Tools

PMP/PRINCE2/MSP

Job description

Title:

Program Manager - (Mission Systems)

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

Think.KBR.com

KBR in Australia

With over 65 years working on some of Australia’s largest and most complex projects, KBR has unmatched experience supporting the nation’s critical infrastructure, energy transition and national security priorities. KBR has around 2,000 employees throughout Australia, who are focused on delivering innovative technology and engineering solutions for a safer, more secure and sustainable future.

Learn more about KBR in Australia

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager - Mission Systems to lead the delivery of complex Defence programs while supporting future growth opportunities across our Mission Systems portfolio. As Program Manager, you will provide leadership across multiple projects and work packages, ensuring delivery excellence while maintaining strong customer relationships and commercial performance. You will also contribute to business growth by supporting capture activities, bid development, transition planning and mobilisation of new programs into delivery.

In this senior leadership role, you will be responsible for the planning, governance and successful delivery of strategic programs and projects, ensuring customer requirements, contractual obligations and business objectives are translated into executable delivery outcomes. You will work closely with Defence customers, industry partners and internal stakeholders to drive program performance, manage risk and deliver trusted capability outcomes.

You are a strategic and delivery-focused leader with a proven track record managing complex Defence or government programs. You combine strong commercial acumen with the ability to lead teams, navigate ambiguity and build trusted relationships with customers and stakeholders. You are comfortable operating autonomously, challenging the status quo and developing practical solutions that achieve both customer and business outcomes.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of complex Defence programs, projects and major work packages.

• Develop and execute project management plans, schedules, governance frameworks and delivery strategies.

• Provide leadership, direction and mentoring to project managers and multidisciplinary delivery teams.

• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder & Customer Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Defence customers, industry partners and internal stakeholders.

• Provide clear and timely communication on program performance, risks and key decisions.

• Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to strategic decision‑making.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage program risks, issues and dependencies.

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, governance frameworks and organisational policies.

• Escalate material delivery, commercial or contractual risks as required.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Oversee program budgets, forecasts, resource planning and performance reporting.

• Monitor cost, schedule, revenue and margin performance against agreed baselines.

• Support commercial planning, estimates, proposals and transition activities.

Growth & Business Development

• Support capture, bid and proposal activities with practical delivery expertise.

• Contribute to executable solutions that strengthen customer outcomes and business growth.

• Assist with mobilisation and transition planning for successful pursuits

As the ideal candidate you will bring:

Essential:

• Degree qualification in Engineering, Project Management, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex Defence, Government, engineering, ICT, sustainment or critical infrastructure programs.

• Proven success managing multidisciplinary teams in complex operational environments.

• Strong understanding of project controls, governance, assurance and performance reporting.

• Experience managing commercial, financial, contractual and risk considerations within large-scale programs.

• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior customer and executive stakeholders.

• Experience supporting bids, proposals, capture activities and transition to delivery.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Current NV1 Security Clearance with the ability to obtain NV2 if required.

Desirable:

• PMP, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent program/project management certification.

• Defence Capability Lifecycle, CASG, acquisition or sustainment experience.

• Program or portfolio management experience.

• Experience leading mobilisation, transition or complex service delivery activities.

All candidates will be required to hold and maintain an active NV1 Defence Security Clearance. Only candidates holding a NV1 Clearance or above should apply.

What we will offer you:

• A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work

• Flexible working

• Competitive salary (including annual reviews)

• Paid parental leave

• Income protection

• Corporate rewards

• Salary packaging/Novated leasing

• Employee stock purchase plans

• Flu shots, skin checks and discounted private health insurance

• Career development: Online learning, mentorship and career pathways

Please note. Shortlisting will take place as applications are received; therefore the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

As a Major Service Provider of the Australian Defence Force, an AGSVA security clearance will be required and compliance to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As such, our hiring decisions are based on the key requirements of each role and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and experiences.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBRAt KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.