Cost Estimator

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 Cost Estimator in Canberra to work on an Integrated Capabilities projects. 

What You'll Do

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

• Conduct independent cost estimation and assurance for new capability investment proposals, ensuring feasibility and affordability.
• Develop and review Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models, including those created by external contractors or internal stakeholders.
• Utilise parametric costing tools such as CCT, ACEIT, or TruePlanning to support project development and capability assessments.
• Support strategic planning activities by contributing to the evaluation of manufacturing capability gaps and investment options.
• Establish and maintain robust costing practices to enable early-stage understanding of cost impacts for proposed manufacturing projects.

What You'll Bring

• Proficiency in Defence costing tools such as CCT, ACEIT, or TruePlanning, with hands-on experience in parametric cost estimation.
• Strong understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies and their application in Defence-related projects.
• Experience in cost estimation within Defence, Security, or Estate sectors, including assessment of estimate completeness and credibility.
• Ability to evaluate cost methodologies and validate cost estimates, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial constraints.
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and contribute to capability planning and prioritisation.

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.