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 comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Communications Engineer – HF/RF (JP9101 L3) in Canberra, ACT to work on Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS) capability and enhancement projects.

What You’ll Do
 

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

• Provide specialist HF/RF engineering expertise to support the design review, integration, and assurance of the Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) under JP9101 Phase 1
• Rigorously review and assess HF system designs, including antenna placement, integration constraints, propagation considerations, waveform performance, and backward compatibility requirements
• Review engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation, providing high‑quality engineering advice and feedback on contractor deliverables, including engagement with external vendors
• Support integration, verification, validation, and troubleshooting activities for HF subsystems, ensuring alignment with system requirements, engineering best practice, and IC3SPO governance
• Participate as a senior technical authority in design reviews, technical working groups, workshops, and engineering governance forums, exercising Engineering Delegation as authorised.
  

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive experience in High Frequency (HF) and Radio Frequency (RF) engineering, including transceivers, HF waveforms, and contemporary HF/RF system architectures.
• Tertiary qualifications in Communications Engineering (or equivalent) and Chartered Professional Engineer (or ability to attain chartered status) with a recognised professional body (e.g. Engineers Australia).
• Demonstrated experience producing and assuring high‑quality engineering documentation, including design reports, test procedures, and technical assessments within structured engineering frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex engineering issues clearly with Defence clients, internal project teams, and industry partners.
• Knowledge of Defence engineering environments, including ODCS, ASDEFCON, and Quality Management System (QMS) compliance within CASG or Defence capability projects.

Due to the nature of the work, an active Australian Government Security Clearance (or eligibility to maintain one) is required.

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.