Safety Engineer

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare discounts

Retail discounts

Reservist Leave

Professional development

Job summary

Downer Professional Services in Canberra is seeking a Safety Engineer to integrate safety considerations into engineering, project, and product development activities on complex defence and national security programs. The role requires AGSVA clearance and the ability to coordinate safety activities with technical teams and senior stakeholders.

You will develop and review safety management plans, hazard logs, and safety assessments, delivering data to governance bodies on tight schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience in system safety engineering within defence, maritime, aerospace or mission‑critical systems.
• Strong knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, safety case development and safety assurance.
• Experience preparing and reviewing safety management plans, hazard logs and safety assessments.
• Ability to engage effectively with technical, project and senior stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple safety activities to meet challenging schedules.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist safety advice, guidance, and oversight to the engineering team, project staff, and stakeholders.
• Support the continuous improvement of safety processes, methodologies, and governance arrangements.
• Assure the effectiveness, compliance, and quality of the Safety Program and its deliverables.
• Provide safety‑related data and reports to DDG SPO, CEIP, and other stakeholders as required.
• Evaluate safety information relating to Aegis, AusCMS, and Warfare Products to support system‑level safety assessments.

Skills

System safety engineering

Hazard identification

Risk assessment

Safety case development

Safety assurance processes

Safety management plans

Hazard logs

Stakeholder engagement

Written & verbal communication

Project coordination

Job description

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

Downer Professional Services comprises three business units: Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for a Safety Engineer in Canberra to work closely with the project team ensuring that safety considerations are effectively integrated into engineering, project, and product development activities.

What You'll Do

• Provide specialist safety advice, guidance, and oversight to the engineering team, project staff, and stakeholders.
• Support the continuous improvement of safety processes, methodologies, and governance arrangements.
• Assure the effectiveness, compliance, and quality of the Safety Program and its deliverables.
• Provide safety‑related data and reports to DDG SPO, CEIP, and other stakeholders as required.
• Evaluate safety information relating to Aegis, AusCMS, and Warfare Products to support system‑level safety assessments.

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated experience in system safety engineering within complex defence, maritime, aerospace, or mission‑critical systems.
• Strong knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, safety case development, and safety assurance processes.
• Experience preparing and reviewing safety management plans, hazard logs, and safety assessments.
• Ability to engage effectively with technical, project, and senior stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple safety activities and deliver outcomes to challenging schedules.

Reporting Relationships

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

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 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. If it feels like the right fit, apply – potential counts, and so do 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.