Seaworthiness manager

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.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Seaworthiness Manager to support the SEA4000 Combat System Upgrade Program. This is a critical role responsible for delivering seaworthiness outcomes for the combat system upgrade and ensuring these outcomes are integrated into the Whole Ship Seaworthiness Case.

Working closely with project leadership, engineering teams, Navy stakeholders and regulatory authorities, you will lead seaworthiness assurance activities, manage certification risks and coordinate the development of evidence required to support operational certification and sea release activities.

This role will initially focus on reviewing, updating and developing Seaworthiness Management Artefacts (SwMAs) for combat system elements affected by the SEA4000 Program, with key deliverables due to the Seaworthiness Management Cell by February 2027.

What You Will Do

You will be responsible for leading the delivery of seaworthiness outcomes for the SEA4000 Combat System Upgrade Program, ensuring that all certification activities align with Navy and regulatory requirements. Working closely with engineering, safety and project stakeholders, you will develop and maintain the Seaworthiness Management Plan, oversee certification evidence and schedules, and review, update or author Seaworthiness Material Assessments (SwMAs) and related artefacts.

A key focus of the role will be integrating combat system certification evidence into the Whole Ship Seaworthiness Case to support timely certification and safe operation of the platform.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering, safety, integration, testing and logistics stakeholders.
• Chair Seaworthiness Working Groups and drive actions through to completion.
• Manage seaworthiness risks, hazards and mitigation activities in accordance with ALARP principles.
• Prepare certification packages and support Safe-to-Operate and Safe-to-Proceed submissions.
• Liaise with Navy regulators, Design Authorities, classification societies and key program stakeholders.
• Provide governance reporting and advice to senior project leadership regarding seaworthiness risks, issues and certification status.
• Support engineering reviews, change control activities and external audits.

About You

You are a highly experienced maritime or naval engineering professional with a strong understanding of seaworthiness, certification and engineering assurance within complex Defence environments. You have the ability to bring together diverse technical stakeholders, manage risk effectively and deliver critical certification outcomes within challenging project timeframes.

To be successful, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience conducting and writing Seaworthiness Material Assessments (SwMAs).
• Extensive experience working with Royal Australian Navy Combat Systems.
• A degree qualification in Engineering (Marine, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems or similar), or equivalent naval/maritime engineering experience.
• Experience in seaworthiness, safety case, systems certification or engineering assurance roles.
• Strong knowledge of seaworthiness frameworks, safety case methodologies and risk management principles.
• Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior governance forums.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Defence security clearance.

Highly regarded:

• Combat system integration or upgrade project experience.
• Knowledge of naval certification processes and classification society requirements.
• Qualifications in risk management, systems engineering, safety assurance or project management.
• White Card and ability to undertake ship visits.
• Weapons Electrical Charge Qualification (WE CQ).

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.