Project Manager - Defence Programs

Camco Engineering; Perth; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Camco Engineering, a leading Western Australia engineering services provider, seeks a Project Manager for Defence Programs to lead end-to-end defence projects from tender via delivery and closure. You will guide cross-functional teams and ensure safety, schedule, and budget compliance while expanding the Defence Division.

The role requires strong commercial acumen, stakeholder negotiation skills and a solid background in engineering/manufacturing. NV1 security clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing quotations, tenders and cost estimates.
• Experience managing complex engineering, manufacturing or industrial projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract management capability.
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, risks and resources.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced project environment.
• Australian citizenship with ability to obtain Defence security clearances (NV1 preferred).
• Background in machining, manufacturing or workshop operations.
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, Business or related discipline.
• Formal Project Management certification (PMI, PRINCE2, Diploma of Project Management or equivalent).
• Experience with Defence Prime Contractors or Defence supply chain.
• Knowledge of Australian Defence procurement and contract environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Defence projects from tender and quotation through to delivery and close-out.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to customer requirements.
• Manage project schedules, resources, budgets, risks and commercial performance.
• Build strong relationships with Defence customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and operations teams to achieve project outcomes.
• Manage contracts, variations, compliance requirements, and project reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to the growth of the Defence business.

Skills

Tendering experience

Complex projects

Commercial acumen

Contract management

Budgets and schedules

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Fast-paced environment

Australian citizenship

Defence clearance (NV1 preferred)

Manufacturing background

Engineering degree

Project Management certification

Defence contractors experience

Defence procurement knowledge

Education

Engineering/PM/Business degree

Job description

Camco is one of Western Australia's leading engineering services providers, delivering innovative, time-critical solutions to major mining and industrial operations. Backed by more than 30 years of industry expertise, Camco has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships.

With a highly skilled workforce and experienced leadership team, Camco specialises in maintenance, refurbishment, and engineering services that help clients minimise downtime, improve equipment availability, and keep critical operations running safely and efficiently. Their practical, solutions-focused approach has made them a trusted partner to some of Australia's most successful and progressive mining companies.

Project Manager - Defence Programs

The Project Manager - Defence Programs is responsible for the successful end-to-end delivery of Defence engineering and manufacturing projects, from initial customer engagement and quotation through to production, delivery and project close-out.

This role will provide leadership across all aspects of project execution, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in accordance with customer requirements, contractual obligations and quality standards. The position will play a key role in establishing and growing the organisation's Defence Division, supporting strategic business growth and long-term customer relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Defence projects from tender and quotation through to delivery and close-out.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to customer requirements.
• Manage project schedules, resources, budgets, risks, and commercial performance.
• Build strong relationships with Defence customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and operations teams to achieve project outcomes.
• Manage contracts, variations, compliance requirements, and project reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to the growth of the Defence business.

What we are looking for

• Demonstrated experience preparing quotations, tenders and cost estimates.
• Experience managing complex engineering, manufacturing or industrial projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract management capability.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, timelines, risks and resources.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Australian citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain relevant Defence security clearances (NV1 preferred).
• Strong machining, manufacturing or workshop operations background.
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, Business or related discipline.
• Formal Project Management certification (PMI, PRINCE2, Diploma of Project Management or equivalent).
• Experience working with Defence Prime Contractors or within the Defence supply chain.
• Knowledge of Australian Defence procurement and contract environments.

Engineering & Project Management Services 101-1,000 employees

Camco Engineering is a leading provider of mechanical engineering services in Western Australia. Our facilities have been based at its Canning Vale location since 1994, with high quality work and service reliability resulting in significant and continuous growth at our Canning Vale, Belmont and Karratha (Gap Ridge) operations.

We pride ourselves on providing the best possible service tailored to our clients’ specific requirements.

The partnership of owners has been longstanding with a history of working together for over 35 years in the engineering industry.

Camco Engineering is a leading provider of mechanical engineering services in Western Australia. Our facilities have been based at its Canning Vale location since 1994, with high quality work and service reliability resulting in significant and continuous growth at our Canning Vale, Belmont and Karratha (Gap Ridge) operations.

We pride ourselves on providing the best possible service tailored to our clients’ specific requirements.

The partnership of owners has been longstanding with a history of working together for over 35 years in the engineering industry.

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