The Role

Within the Project Control function an EL 1 Project Controller is accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve very complex planning, scheduling and control work within an integrated workforce. They will require an in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.

The overarching responsibility of the Project Controller is to:

- Lead and manage a project controls team, supporting delivery of Engineering Management Unit (EMU) projects; including coordinating activities, driving progress, and maintaining visibility of project status and deliverables.
- Support Project Managers in the delivery and management of project schedules, risk, and cost models using Defence - approved tools for EMU projects. This includes operating in accordance with the Prioritised Engineering Change List (PECL) and balancing cost, schedule, risk and priority considerations.
- Provide day to day project controls oversight for assigned System Program Offices (SPOs), including coordinating with engineering, configuration, Regional Maintenance Centres (RMCs), SPOs, Capability Lifecycle Managers (CLCMs), and Design Support Contractors (DSCs); monitoring progress; and supporting delivery against agreed milestones and priorities.
- Assist Project Managers in monitoring, controlling, and reporting on EMU project activities and performance, including preparing and contributing to required stakeholders reporting, and supporting governance and assurance processes.
- Support Project Managers in developing, maintaining, and implementing EMU projects forward work plan, ensuring alignment with the Approved Work Program (AWP), Capability Portfolio/SPOs, PECL, Configuration Management Representative (CMR) requirements, and regional priorities.

About our Team

Maritime Systems Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG), delivering in-service support to Navy and Army along with delivering recent capability to Government.



The Engineering Management Unit team sits under the Major Surface Ships (MSS) Branch within MSD and delivers sovereign and technical services, technical authority and design assurance capability.

The Engineering Management Unit collectively works with System Program Offices to promote productivity while supporting seaworthiness, availability and whole-of-life asset performance outcomes for customer vessels and capabilities.

The Program Management Office within the MSS EMU delivers a centralised program and project management capability to support the effective delivery of approved initiatives across the MSS Branch SPOs. These initiatives include engineering changes (managed through the PECL), obsolescence management, asset refresh, transition, and disposal activities, collectively referred to as EMU projects.

Our Ideal Candidate The Program Management Office (PMO) within the Major Surface Ships Engineering Management Unit (MSS EMU) delivers a centralised program and project management capability to support the effective delivery of approved initiatives across the MSS Branch SPOs.

These initiatives include engineering changes (managed through the PECL), obsolescence management, asset refresh, transition, and disposal activities, collectively referred to as EMU projects. They contribute to portfolio level coordination by monitoring delivery performance, managing interdependencies, supporting resource and schedule alignment, tracking financial commitments and liabilities, and maintaining clear traceability from engineering change endorsement through to delivery and verification.

PMO personnel, acting as accountable delivery owners, support informed decision-making by senior stakeholders through the application of structured planning, reporting, assurance, and governance processes. Collectively, PMO roles ensure engineering delivery remains controlled, transparent, risk informed and aligned with endorsed work plans, budgets and capability priorities.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.

📌 Program Control Manager (Cairns)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Cairns