Quality Manager / Deputy Chief 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 Australia’s multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for our clients in Defence and Government.

We currently have an opportunity for a Quality Manager / Deputy Chief Engineer to support a complex Defence SPO environment, leading engineering governance, audit, and certification activities.

What You'll Do

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

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Engineering Management System (EMS) to achieve and sustain AEO certification
• Develop and maintain Quality Management Plans, Engineering Plans and supporting instructions in line with CASG frameworks
• Provide Deputy Chief Engineer oversight across projects and products, ensuring engineering compliance and governance
• Review engineering artefacts and deliverables to ensure alignment with Defence standards and regulatory requirements
• Lead internal audit programs, including planning and conducting audits across projects, products and functions
• Support and coordinate external audits and certification activities
• Provide subject matter expertise to Change Control Boards (CCBs) and technical governance forums
• Manage and track Corrective Action Requests (CARs), Improvement Requests (IRs), and audit outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Engineering, Logistics and Cyber functions
Provide assurance reporting to senior Defence stakeholders, including monthly status reporting

What You'll Bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in Defence (CASG/SPO) engineering governance, assurance, or sustainment environments
• Strong experience working with Engineering Management Systems (EMS) and/or Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Proven knowledge of CASG policy, ASDEFCON frameworks and Defence engineering processes
• Experience developing and reviewing engineering artefacts (e.g. EMPs, Quality Plans, engineering documentation)
• Experience leading audits, assurance activities, or certification readiness programs
Ability to provide independent technical advice and influence outcomes across complex stakeholder environments

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA 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 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’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.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.