Project Manager

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

Job summary

Downer Professional Services is delivering critical Satellite Communications capability for the Australian Defence Force, coordinating multiple LAND 4140 work packages and integrating GEO/LEO networks. You will manage schedules, risks and contractual obligations, working across acquisition, engineering, cyber, safety, testing and sustainment in a dynamic defence environment.

The role requires experienced project management in complex defence programs, strong stakeholder engagement, and the

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications or 12+ years defence domain experience.
• Current project management experience within complex programs.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Experience with integrated schedules, risks, costs, dependencies and reporting.
• Ability to manage concurrent work packages with strong controls.
• Analytical capability to translate technical detail into delivery priorities.
• Ability to adapt to evolving priorities and technical requirements.
• Collaborative approach across diverse stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of LAND 4140 work packages with integrated schedules and dependencies.
• Coordinate acquisition, engineering, cyber, safety, testing and sustainment activities.
• Prepare executive-level reporting and inputs for Gate Reviews and governance.

Skills

Project management

Defence domain

Stakeholder management

Scheduling

Risk management

Contract management

SATCOM

C4 systems

ASDEFCON

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

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.

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.