Program Manager, Defence Satellite Sustainment
5 days ago
Program Manager, Defence Satellite Sustainment
ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Program Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and successful delivery of a multi-year satellite sustainment contract within the Australian Defence environment. This role ensures that all aspects of the satellite systems' operation, maintenance, engineering, training and lifecycle support meet Defence capability requirements, compliance standards, contractual requirements and stakeholder expectations.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
- Program Leadership
- Guide multi-year planning and capability evolution to maintain operational readiness and resilience
- Establish governance structures and ensure program integrity across deliverables and contractual obligations
- Act as the principal liaison between defence agencies, internal stakeholders and subcontractors, facilitate program reviews and mission alignment
- Contract & Compliance Management
- Ensure adherence to Commonwealth procurement policies, ASDEFCON contract templates, and Defence regulatory standards
- Lead contract change negotiations, milestone validations, and audit readiness activities
- Monitor and report on contract KPIs, risk mitigation plans, and sustainment service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Technical Oversight
- Manage sustainment activities including operation, maintenance, supply, training, and lifecycle engineering
- Supervise engineering change proposals, configuration control boards, and system verification/validation processes
- Risk, Schedule & Financial Management
- Develop, maintain, and track integrated master schedules (IMS) and risk registers using Defence scheduling systems
- Oversee program budgets, resource allocations, and contingency planning across multi-stream operations
- Subcontractor Management
- Define and monitor subcontractor scopes of work, deliverables, and acceptance criteria in alignment with ASDEFCON contractual frameworks
- Coordinate onboarding, security clearance validation, and contract compliance for all subcontracted entities
COMPETENCIES
- Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
- Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic Defence environment
- High-level communication and leadership presence
- Ethical, accountable, and committed to mission success
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical discipline
- 7+ years of experience managing defence programs, preferably in satellite or aerospace sustainment
- Proven leadership in complex, high-value Commonwealth contracts
- Strong understanding of the Defence Capability Lifecycle, ASDEFCON, and relevant standards (e.g., ISO, MIL-STD)
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and reporting skills
- NV1 clearance or above
- Extensive network of contacts within ADF especially CASG
- Hold Australian drivers license
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Preferably Canberra based
- Ability to travel nationally and Internationally as required
SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
For more information on SES, click here.
-
Senior Satellite Comms Engineering
6 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia MTP Services Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per yearAbout the Role An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Satellite Communications Engineer to join a major Federal Government client on a long-term program of work. You will play a key role in a large-scale Satellite Modernisation Project, involving the design, implementation, and maintenance of satellite communication systems, spanning both legacy...
-
Defence Consultants
7 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Downer Group Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per yearJoin our Downer Professional Services team and express your interest in future opportunities within our Team Downer stream. We are seeking to engage skilled professionals with Defence or Defence industry experience to join our permanent workforce and support complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.Downer Professional...
-
Canberra, ACT, Australia Department of Defence Full time $70,000 - $120,000 per yearThe RoleAre you an experienced human services practitioner?Are you interested in supporting Command, Defence members and their families?Would you like the opportunity to be part of a high functioning team?Exciting opportunities exist within the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Headquarters based in Brindabella Park (The Defence Member and Family...
-
Project Support
6 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Bastion Defence Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per yearJoin Our Growing Defence Team in Canberra – Multiple Roles Available in Project Support, Project Managment, Integrated Logistics Support, Cyber Security, Commercial Management and Maritime or Systems EngineeringAbout usBastion Defence is an Australia wide company committed to delivering capability to the Department of Defence. We offer excellent working...
-
Systems Engineer
7 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Smarthink Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per yearABOUT USBlacktree Technology is an innovative solutions integrator working with leading edge radio and satellite communications technology to connect people and organisations across the globe. Blacktree's expertise covers all RF bands and technologies from HF, through to Commercial & Defence UHF, Satellite and Microwave.We specialise in solving...
-
Senior Principal Engineer
6 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Hays | Defence Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per yearYour new company Join a cutting-edge defence company that's redefining innovation A highly dynamic national business, committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and design. The team is passionate, forward-thinking, and dedicated to creating groundbreaking solutions. I am currently working with a company working across multiple areas of expertise in...
-
Defence Relationship Manager
3 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per yearPosted: 11/09/2025Closing Date: 24/09/2025Job Type: Permanent - Full TimeLocation: CanberraJob Category: Banking and Financial Services,Insurance & SuperannuationJob DescriptionJob title: Defence Relationship ManagerPosition Type: PermanentLocation: Preferred location is Canberra; however, we are open to candidates in other cities based on experience....
-
Infrastructure Engineer- Defence Datacentres
2 weeks ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia NW Technology Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per yearJoin a leading Defence ICT program delivering secure, large-scale datacentre infrastructure. As an Infrastructure Engineer (L4), you'll work within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team to design, deploy, and maintain enterprise hardware and virtualisation environments across multiple datacentres.Long-term Defence contract supporting a critical national...
-
Commercial and Finance Director
2 weeks ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia Department of Defence Full time $180,000 - $250,000 per yearThe RoleAs the Hunter Class Frigate Commercial and Finance Director, you will play a critical leadership role in Defence's most complex warship acquisition program. You will lead high-level finance and contract management functions, providing expert advice on procurement, policy, commercial and finance matters. Operating within established legislative and...
-
Defence Case Manager
4 days ago
Canberra, ACT, Australia abrs Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per yearAbrs manages a team of professionals who support individuals and families within the Department of Defence.The position of Social Worker or AHPRA Registered Psychologist is located in Canberra, ACT. The successful applicant will provide primarily phone-based support and client response to personnel who have been subjected to unwanted sexualised behaviours...