Testing and Evaluation Engineer

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 Test and Evaluation Lead in Canberra to drive excellence in test governance, documentation optimization, and strategic test planning across Defence delivery projects.

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:

• Review and endorse a broad range of Test and Evaluation (T&E) documentation across Defence projects, while providing governance and expert guidance to Commonwealth test personnel supporting DDG delivery initiatives.
• Produce essential test artefacts for small-scale delivery projects where dedicated full-time resources are not feasible, ensuring consistency and quality in test documentation.
• Support the professional development of Commonwealth test staff through mentoring, coaching, and structured documentation reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in T&E practices.
• Provide strategic bench strength resourcing to high-priority projects, augmenting both contractor and APS project teams during peak delivery periods or test phases

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated capability in reviewing, endorsing, and developing T&E documentation within complex project environments.
• Proven ability to apply governance frameworks and ensure compliance with Defence standards and practices
• Experience in designing and implementing test strategies aligned with project outcomes and organisational objectives
• Experience in coaching and supporting junior or mid-level test professionals, with a focus on professionalisation and skills uplift.
• Ability to produce high-quality test artefacts and documentation suitable for both technical and executive audiences
• Certifications such as ISTQB, ISEB, or equivalent Defence-specific training.
• Experience with test management tools (e.g., HP ALM, JIRA, Zephyr) and documentation platforms used within Defence

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a minimum
Negative Vetting 1
or higher 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 .
• 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.