Project Manager -Space Approach to Market

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Career development

Perks@Downer

Veteran support

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead capability development and industry engagement for Defence SATCOM initiatives in Australia. You will work across Defence, industry and international partners to shape next-generation communications capabilities and safeguard Australia's sovereign interests.

In this role, you will coordinate government submissions, manage risk reduction activities, and support engagement with Defence agencies to strengthen industry participation.

Qualifications

• Experience in Defence, capability development or complex government programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across Defence, industry and international partners.
• Excellent communication, briefing and presentation skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive capability development activities supporting government submissions.
• Coordinate technical risk reduction initiatives in a complex environment.
• Engage with Defence innovation agencies and international partners.
• Develop strategies to enhance Australian industry participation in SATCOM.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Multi-workstream coordination

Governance & risk management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead key capability development and industry engagement activities supporting future Defence SATCOM initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work across Defence, industry, and international partners to help shape next-generation communications capabilities for Australia

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

Shape the Future of Australia's Space Capability

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead key capability development and industry engagement activities supporting future Defence SATCOM initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work across Defence, industry, and international partners to help shape next-generation communications capabilities for Australia.

About the Role

As the Project Manager, you will drive critical capability development activities supporting government submissions planned in the next couple of years. Working within a complex stakeholder environment, you will coordinate technical risk reduction initiatives, support engagement with Defence innovation agencies, and develop strategies that enhance Australian industry participation in future SATCOM program.

About You

You are a strategic and driven project professional who thrives in complex Defence and capability development environments. You enjoy bringing together diverse stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into practical outcomes, and navigating ambiguity to achieve mission success. Comfortable working across government, industry, and technical communities, you can balance big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. You are collaborative, proactive, and passionate about strengthening Australia's sovereign capability through innovation and industry engagement.

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated project management experience within Defence, capability development, technology, acquisition, or complex government programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across Defence, industry, research organisations, and international partners.
• Excellent communication, briefing, and presentation skills, including experience supporting senior decision-makers.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes in dynamic environments.
• Strong planning, governance, risk management, and organisational capabilities.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

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 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 is 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.

We 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 all ages, 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.