SATCOM Systems Architect

Downer; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Professional development

Great perks (discounts etc.)

Veteran support

Job summary

Downer Professional Services in Canberra seeks a SATCOM Systems Architect to develop the Enterprise ADF SATCOM capability. You will provide specialist engineering advice on SATCOM performance, manage technical risks, and define interfaces and integration boundaries to support procurement and capability delivery.

You will work with Defence and vendors in a regulated, high-assurance environment, conducting audits and drafting technical artefacts while ensuring alignment with end-user requirements

Qualifications

• Strong background in systems engineering, telecommunications, or SATCOM-related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop systems architecture across multiple domains and define interfaces and integration boundaries.
• Understanding of configuration management, technical audits, and defect management processes.
• Ability to analyse technical issues and communicate clear, practical recommendations.
• Comfortable operating in regulated, high-assurance environments with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist engineering advice across SATCOM systems, with a focus on performance, defects, and technical risk.
• Conduct system level trade-offs across performance, resilience and interoperability, with focus on end user capability, terminal requirements and operational workflows.
• Establish a coherent architectural view aligning system behaviour and integration boundaries to inform procurement and capability realisation.
• Plan and conduct technical audits and assurance activities, including physical and functional configuration audits.
• Assist with development and review of technical documentation, reports, and assurance artefacts.
• Engage with technical stakeholders, vendors, and Defence personnel to resolve issues and support informed decision-making.

Skills

Systems engineering

SATCOM

Interfaces

Configuration management

Regulated environments

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 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.

We currently have an opportunity for a SATCOME Systems Architect in Canberra to develop the systems architecture for the Enterprise ADF SATCOM capability.

What You'll Do

• Provide specialist engineering advice across SATCOM systems, with a focus on performance, defects, and technical risk.
• Conduct system level trade-offs across performance, resilience and interoperability, with focus on end user capability, terminal requirements and operational workflows.
• Establish a coherent architectural view aligning system behaviour and integration boundaries to inform procurement and capability realisation.
• Plan and conduct technical audits and assurance activities, including physical and functional configuration audits.
• Assist with development and review of technical documentation, reports, and assurance artefacts.
• Engage with technical stakeholders, vendors, and Defence personnel to resolve issues and support informed decision-making.

What You'll Bring

• Strong background in systems engineering, telecommunications, or SATCOM-related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop systems architecture across multiple domains and define interfaces and integration boundaries.
• Understanding of configuration management, technical audits, and defect management processes.
• Ability to analyse technical issues and communicate clear, practical recommendations.
• Comfortable operating in regulated, high-assurance environments with multiple stakeholders.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security 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.

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 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.