Project Scheduler

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.

As a Project Scheduler supporting the a large Defence Program, you’ll play a key role in keeping complex Defence activities aligned and on track. You’ll develop, maintain and assure program-level schedules, work closely with contractors to ensure alignment with Commonwealth requirements, and lead schedule reviews and Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis. Your insights will help identify emerging risks, improve schedule performance and support informed decision-making across the program.

What You’ll Do

You'll be supporting Defence acquisition programs, bringing structure, insight and assurance to project schedules. You’ll work closely with Defence, project teams and industry partners to support effective delivery and value-for-money outcomes.

• Develop and manage project schedules using OPP and other Defence scheduling software.
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM), Defence scheduling standards and ASDEFCON requirements.
• Review and assure contractor schedules, identifying scheduling risks, issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with Defence, project teams and industry partners.
• Act ethically and lawfully in the Commonwealth's best interests, managing resources responsibly and in line with relevant Government, Defence and CASG policies and requirements.

About You

You’ll develop, maintain and baseline master schedules in line with Defence standards and program governance, ensuring acquisition, sustainment and transition activities are effectively integrated. You’ll also review contractor schedules, including Contract Master Schedules, against ASDEFCON and CASG requirements, providing practical feedback and recommendations to resolve discrepancies and improve overall schedule quality.

• Lead EVM implementation and reporting across the program, ensuring accurate performance measurement and forecasting.
• Analyse cost/schedule variances and provide actionable insights to project leadership.
• Operate and maintain scheduling and EVM tools including Open Plan Professional (OPP), COBRA, and Microsoft Project.
• Ensure data integrity and consistency across all scheduling systems.
• Collaborate with Integrated Project Teams, contractors, and CASG stakeholders to ensure schedule alignment and timely delivery of milestones.
• Provide expert advice on scheduling risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure adherence to Defence policy, CASG Quality Management System (QMS), and relevant legislative frameworks.

Why Join Us?

You’ll have the opportunity to work at the centre of complex Defence capability delivery, supporting programs where effective planning and scheduling make a genuine difference.

You’ll work alongside experienced Defence and project professionals, build relationships across acquisition and sustainment environments, and have the opportunity to apply your scheduling expertise to meaningful and technically complex work.

If you’re an experienced Project Scheduler looking for your next opportunity within the Defence environment, we’d love to hear from you.

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 it 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.