Program Support Officer - Combat Systems

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.

Support Critical Defence Capability

We are seeking a motivated Program Support Officer (PSO) to support critical Defence sustainment and acquisition activities across major naval capability programs. Working within a high-performing team, you will contribute to the ongoing support, transition, and enhancement of complex combat systems while developing valuable experience across logistics, integrated logistics support (ILS), risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

This role offers exposure to senior Defence and industry stakeholders, providing excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development within the Defence sector.

About the Role

As the Product Support Officer, you will provide governance, administrative and sustainment support to the Integrated Product Team, helping ensure capability remains available, compliant and operationally effective. You will coordinate meetings, manage records and correspondence, maintain action registers and support the tracking of contractor deliverables and sustainment activities.

Working closely with Defence personnel, industry partners and stakeholders, you will contribute to governance, reporting and information management activities while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the program.

Key Responsibilities:

Sustainment & Acquisition Support

• Support Combat System sustainment, maintenance, capability upgrades, and transition activities.
• Assist with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), configuration management, and obsolescence management.
• Maintain technical documentation, logistics records, and configuration data.

Risk & Program Management

• Contribute to risk reviews, mitigation planning, and program reporting.
• Support sustainment performance, acquisition activities, and supply chain management.
• Assist with whole-of-ship defect resolution and capability improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with Defence, Navy, industry, and international stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefings, risk assessments, and sustainment updates.
• Support collaboration across Defence and industry partners to achieve program outcomes

About You

You are an organised and proactive professional with an interest in Defence capability, logistics, or program support. You enjoy working in a collaborative environment and have strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience in Defence, government, engineering, logistics, or program support environments.
• Understanding of risk management principles and project governance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities.
• Experience with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), configuration management, or sustainment activities is desirable.
• Familiarity with Defence maritime programs, Aegis Combat Systems, or acquisition projects will be highly regarded.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a 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 Perks@Downer.

• 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.