Project Manager

First Nations Jobs; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Professional development

Great perks

Veteran support

Job summary

Downer Professional Services in Canberra is seeking an experienced Defence Project Manager to coordinate and deliver LAND 4140 work packages, integrating GEO and LEO satellite networks for the Australian Defence Force. You will manage schedules, risks and costs, liaise with engineering, cyber and safety teams, and prepare executive reports for Gate Reviews and investment processes.

Join a team delivering critical defence capability and complex satellite communication programs in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications or 12+ years in the industry.
• Current project management experience in complex programs.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across Defence, CASG and industry.
• Experience managing integrated schedules, risks, costs, dependencies and reporting.
• Ability to manage concurrent, interdependent work packages with robust controls.
• Strong analytical capability to translate technical detail into priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of concurrent LAND 4140 work packages with integrated schedules.
• Oversee risks, costs, dependencies, reporting and change control.
• Prepare executive-level reporting and inputs for Gate Reviews and governance.
• Coordinate SATCOM integration across SATCOM, BTN, TCN and platform teams.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Schedule management

Risk management

Technical awareness

Defence domain knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Tools

ASDEFCON

Job description

Join our Downer Professional Servicesteam and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Downer Professional Services is comprised of two business units, our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice and Team Downer, a major service partner to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for our clients in Defence and National Security.

About the Role

This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering critical Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability for the Australian Defence Force, supporting secure and resilient long-range communications for Defence operations.

Working as part of the Core Team, you will support the planning, coordination and delivery of multiple LAND 4140 acquisition and capability development work packages, including the integration of geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks.

This is a complex delivery role that brings together project management, technology and Defence capability. You'll work across acquisition, engineering, cyber, safety, testing and sustainment, while also contributing to future capability development through risk-reduction activities focused on emerging wideband SATCOM technologies.

What You'll Do

Working closely with the PMT Lead, you will manage the delivery of concurrent and interdependent LAND 4140 work packages, maintaining integrated schedules, managing critical-path risks and coordinating dependencies across acquisition, engineering, cyber, safety, testing and sustainment activities.

You'll oversee project controls including schedules, risks, costs and reporting, while managing contractual, commercial and financial obligations, contractor performance and change control. You will also prepare clear, executive-level reporting and provide inputs into Gate Reviews, investment processes, governance activities and senior submissions.

A key part of the role will be coordinating the integration of SATCOM, BTN, TCN and platform capabilities, working with engineering, test and ILS teams to resolve technical and operational issues and supporting user evaluations, AT&E and OT&E activities.

You will also work across Defence and industry to ensure Fundamental Inputs to Capability are considered and support the transition into sustainment, including training, documentation, spares and support arrangements.

About You

You are an experienced Project Manager who can operate confidently in a complex Defence capability environment and bring together technical, commercial and project delivery considerations.

You are comfortable managing multiple work packages and dependencies, can quickly understand complex technical information and translate it into structured, achievable project plans.

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or more than 12 years' relevant industry and/or domain experience.
• Current and relevant project management experience within complex programs or projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, ideally gained across Defence, CASG and industry.
• Experience managing integrated schedules, risks, costs, dependencies and project reporting.
• An ability to manage concurrent and interdependent work packages while maintaining strong project controls.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to understand technical detail and translate it into clear delivery priorities.
• Confidence operating in environments where priorities, risks and technical requirements may evolve.
• A highly collaborative approach and the ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups

Highly desirable

We'd be particularly interested in hearing from candidates with:

• Recognised project management qualifications such as AIPM, PMI or PRINCE2.
• Experience in Satellite Communications, deployable networks, waveform integration, vehicle C4 systems or Defence timing architectures.
• Familiarity with ASDEFCON, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Defence certification and cyber-worthiness processes.
• Defence and/or CASG experience.
• Previous experience supporting Army acquisition projects.
• Understanding of training, sustainment, doctrine and other Fundamental Inputs to Capability.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of Defence capability, project delivery and emerging communications technology.

You’ll contribute to the delivery of complex SATCOM capability while working alongside Defence, engineering, commercial, test, sustainment and industry specialists. For an experienced Defence Project Manager, it’s an opportunity to apply your expertise to challenging work that directly supports the evolution of Army communications capability.

Why 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.

What it means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of allages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we're here to help you put your best foot forward.