Systems and Software 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 Systems and Software Engineer in Canberra or Melbourne to work on Land projects
.

What You'll Do

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

• Perform complex software systems engineering activities and provide expert advice within diverse technological environments including systems of systems and electro-mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with systems architects and engineering management to design and specify software-related engineering artefacts and develop comprehensive engineering plans and designs.
• Support the Engineering Manager in creating engineering work packages, contributing to capability documentation, system architecture, integration specifications, and technical reports.
• Identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring safety considerations are integrated, and exercise assigned engineering and regulatory authorities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and subject matter experts, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks, while delivering high-quality work on time within a matrixed workforce.

What You'll Bring

• Strong systems/software engineering background
  , with experience across planning, specification, design, and integration phases in Defence acquisition environments.
• Expertise in software integration
  , including assessment of COTS and FMS software, requirement refinement, and multi-platform testing within complex host environments.
• Proficiency in DevSecOps and SDLC
  , with demonstrated ability to manage technical risks and deliver high-quality engineering documentation for government approvals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  , including advanced technical writing and the ability to work effectively in complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Relevant qualifications and Defence experience
  , including a Bachelor of Engineering, NV1 clearance, and familiarity with Defence systems, processes, and tactical communications technologies.

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.