At Downer Professional Services (DPS), we are committed to delivering outcomes that put Australia’s interests first. We work on complex and impactful Defence, government, and infrastructure projects that shape the future of our nation. Our people are at the core of our success, bringing expertise, innovation, and leadership to critical Defence programs. 

Our Technical, Advisory, and Capability practice and Team Downer serves as one of the Major Service Providers delivering consulting services and Integrated Work Packages across the Department of Defence, leveraging innovative approaches such as mission and digital engineering to enable the successful delivery of critical Defence programs. 

This includes collaboration with key Defence entities, including Defence Digital Group (DDG), National Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG), Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), and branches across the Navy, Army, and Air Force. 

We are currently seeking an experienced Specialist Engineer – Electrical Power for our consulting services and Integrated Work Packages. 

If successful in securing a role, your work may involve: 

Lead complex systems engineering projects – provide expert advice under broad direction.  Exercise engineering authorities – ensure compliance with regulatory standards.  Identify and manage risks – integrating them into planning, decision-making, and priority setting.  Offer insights on advancements – on engineering principles, techniques, and regulations.  Evaluate technical designs and materiel – ensuring they meet endorsed requirements and regulations. 

Our work is highly complex and confidential; applicants must be Australian citizens with a minimum NV1 security clearance. Additionally, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may be necessary. In some cases, this may impose restrictions individuals who are dual citizens, permanent residency, or former nationality of specific countries as outlined in ITAR 126.1. 

We are seeking candidates with defence industry experience in the follow areas: 

Registered Chartered Professional Engineer on National Engineering Register (NER) with several years of relevant engineering experience.  Strong knowledge of RF/network/communication engineering architecture.  An understanding and experience of the Capability Life Cycle (CLC). 

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients. 

About the Role: 

The Specialist Engineer – Electrical Power with Communications/RF experience will report to the Chief Engineer and Project Manager (Integration). The role may involve cross-functional cooperation with various projects within the program's scope.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing electrical and RF engineering services to ensure the technical integrity of power systems used across Army and/or Naval platforms; Supporting the design, development, and delivery of integrated C4I systems; Auditing existing platform configurations and applying engineering standards to support Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Engineering changes and certification; Supporting system implementation, rollout, and testing to ensure conformance with approved specifications;

Engineering Services Capability:

Conduct requirements analysis and development; Lead system design and implementation activities; Execute verification, validation (V&V), and certification processes; Plan and deliver engineering services, ensuring regulatory compliance, resource management, and achievement of project outcomes; Review contract deliverables and provide technical assessments;

Required Experience and Skills:

The successful candidate will be capable of providing independent technical advice and will be responsible for planning, compliance, documentation, and delivery of high-quality engineering services. All services are to comply with relevant Australian and International Standards, regulations, and Defence requirements. The use of industry best practices is expected.

Candidates must demonstrate:

Initiative in self-directed technical work and full responsibility for allocated objectives; Established and relevant industry experience, with a proven track record of delivering RF and Electrical engineering services; Design and integration of military-grade RF systems including components such as amplifiers, filters, couplers, splitters, antennas, and PLLs; Competency using RF test equipment to measure performance (gain, NF, linearity, phase noise, etc.); Demonstrated experience in system-level engineering including hazard analysis, requirements management, certification, and contract deliverables; Experience in producing design documentation and technical reports; Strong understanding of Defence capability integration, ODCS, and FIC; Ability to define requirements, plan projects, and deliver within complex stakeholder environments; Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement; Sound judgement in managing risk, timelines, and technical delivery; Experience with Defence projects, preferably in the C4I or Land/Maritime domains.

Essential:

Tertiary qualifications or relevant experience in Engineering within Defence; Proven experience delivering Defence integration projects; Experience in logistically and technically complex Defence environments;

Highly Desirable:

Previous experience in Defence projects or environments Strong background in RF/Electrical systems for contested or EW communication environments Understanding of digital communication protocols and signal conversion techniques Ability to lead technical aspects of integration engineering, working cross-functionally Familiarity with continuous improvement and process development methodologies

Why join 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.  

Be first in line for future opportunities – By joining our talent network, you’ll receive priority consideration for upcoming roles that align with your skills and career goals, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.  Work on projects that matter – You’ll have the chance to contribute to career-defining projects that support Australia’s sovereign capability and national security, delivering real impact in Defence, government, and infrastructure.   Invest in your growth – We believe in continuous learning. Whether it’s through structured career mapping, mentoring, training programs, or our Summer and Winter Schools for accelerated learning, we provide the resources to help you advance in your career.  Collaborate with Industry experts – You’ll work alongside highly skilled professionals and leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment, where knowledge-sharing and professional development are at the core of what we do.  Enjoy a range of perks & benefits – As part of Perks@Downer, you’ll have access to discounted healthcare, savings on retail and car purchases, and exclusive industry benefits to support your lifestyle.  Strong veteran support & Inclusion Initiatives – We actively support Defence veterans with policies including up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to help you transition while staying connected to service. 

Let’s connect 

If you’re interested in future opportunities with Downer Professional Services, register your Interest today. Simply apply now, and we’ll be in touch as relevant roles become available. 

Downer Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

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.