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 Naval Capability
About the Role
Join a well-established Defence capability team supporting the Royal Australian Navy's combat systems and maritime programs. As a Program Support Officer, you will contribute to the sustainment, upgrade, and transition of complex Aegis Combat System capabilities across major Defence acquisition and sustainment projects. Working alongside experienced Defence and industry professionals, you'll gain exposure to Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), risk management, configuration management, acquisition activities, and stakeholder engagement.
This is a hands-on role where you'll coordinate sustainment activities, support risk reviews, maintain technical and logistics data, assist with software and capability updates, and work closely with Defence, Navy, industry, and international stakeholders. You'll also contribute to acquisition transition planning, supply chain and spares management, and whole-of-ship capability improvement initiatives.
About You
You're an emerging Defence professional looking to build your experience across Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), sustainment, acquisition, risk management, configuration management and stakeholder engagement. You are organised, proactive and eager to learn, with a genuine interest in supporting complex Defence capability programs. You enjoy working with diverse stakeholders, maintaining high-quality documentation and contributing to outcomes that support operational readiness for the Royal Australian Navy.
What You'll Bring
- Interest or experience in Defence, sustainment, logistics, engineering, acquisition or project support environments.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- An understanding of, or willingness to develop expertise in, risk management, ILS, configuration management and through-life support.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence preparing reports, briefings and program documentation.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to engage with Defence, Navy, industry and international stakeholders in a professional manner.
What You'll Bring
You have experience working in Defence, engineering, logistics, project support, acquisition, or sustainment environments and are looking to further develop your career within a complex Defence capability setting. You bring strong organisational skills and can effectively coordinate multiple priorities, stakeholders, and activities while maintaining attention to detail and delivering quality outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging a range of stakeholders.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships across Defence, industry, and delivery teams.
- An understanding of risk management, governance, project controls, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), configuration management, or sustainment activities.
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.
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. 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.
Skills Required
- Experience or interest in Defence, sustainment, logistics, engineering, acquisition, or project support environments
- Strong organisational skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and priorities
- Understanding of, or willingness to develop expertise in, risk management, Integrated Logistics Support, configuration management, and through-life support
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report, briefing, and program documentation preparation
- Ability to engage professionally with Defence, Navy, industry, international, and delivery stakeholders
- Understanding of governance, project controls, or sustainment activities
- Currently hold and maintain a security clearance as required by the Commonwealth
- Compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations requirements where applicable
What We Do
Downer Group is a leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, operating in sectors such as transport, utilities, facilities, and defense.
