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 of three business units our 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 Project Scheduler in Canberra to work on Joint projects.
What You’ll Do
This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:
Develop, maintain, and baseline integrated master schedules aligned to Defence governance, ensuring acquisition, sustainment, and transition activities are fully synchronised.
Lead schedule assurance by reviewing contractor artefacts (e.g. CMS) and driving compliance with ASDEFCON and CASG requirements.
Deliver EVM implementation and reporting, providing accurate performance measurement, forecasting, and analysis of cost/schedule variances.
Provide expert scheduling advice, identifying risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies to support informed project decision‑making.
Produce high-quality reports, dashboards, and briefs while ensuring data integrity across scheduling tools (e.g. OPP, COBRA, MS Project) and alignment with stakeholders.
What You’ll Bring
Demonstrated Defence project scheduling expertise, including strong proficiency in OPP and alignment with Defence scheduling standards and frameworks.
Advanced EVM knowledge and ability to analyse, assure, and optimise contractor schedule artefacts against ASDEFCON requirements.
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, working effectively across CASG, Defence customers, and industry partners.
Operates with integrity and accountability, adhering to Defence legislation, policy frameworks (e.g. PGPA Act, APS Values), and governance requirements.
Drives collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement while applying best practice to deliver efficient, high‑quality project outcomes.
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. 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
- Demonstrated Defence project scheduling expertise, including strong proficiency in OPP and adherence to Defence scheduling standards and frameworks.
- Advanced Earned Value Management (EVM) knowledge and ability to analyse, assure, and optimise contractor schedule artefacts against ASDEFCON requirements.
- Experience reviewing contractor artefacts (e.g. CMS) and driving schedule compliance and assurance.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality reports, dashboards and briefs and ensure data integrity across scheduling tools (OPP, COBRA, MS Project).
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, working with CASG, Defence customers, and industry partners.
- Operate with integrity and accountability, adhering to Defence legislation and policy frameworks (e.g. PGPA Act, APS Values).
- Currently hold and maintain an AGSVA security clearance as required by the Commonwealth.
- Familiarity with ITAR compliance where applicable to project work.
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.
