The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The Technical Cost Estimator reports to the Maintenance Demand Operations Manager within the Maintenance Planning and Assurance section of RMC-N. The role provides quantity surveying, cost analysis, and risk management support for Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessels undergoing maintenance, based on approved technical work instructions developed by RMP-N NORSTA.

The position is responsible for undertaking complex pricing and cost investigations of technical marine maintenance activities to ensure value for money for the Australian Commonwealth. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Technical Cost Estimator analyses, reviews, and reports on pricing and cost data while supporting an integrated workforce.

Key responsibilities include reviewing approved work instructions to ensure costs remain within allowable tolerances, conducting independent financial investigations, managing cost analysis and assurance activities, providing cost planning advice, supporting the Maintenance Planning and Assurance team with estimating queries, and monitoring commercial maritime industry information relevant to vessel maintenance and sustainment of RAN in-service capability.

About our Team

Maritime Systems Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group delivering in-service support to Navy and Army along with delivering new capability to Government. MSD is embarking on transformational change to establish the Maritime Sustainment Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic priorities.

The Regional Maintenance Centre-North team sits within MSD and delivers Maintenance and delivers maintenance to Naval Vessels home ported in Darwin NT and other visiting Navy vessels from interstate.



We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a fast-paced, complex environment.

We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and have access to tailored professionalised pathways.

We are flexible and agile in our approach to work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work life balance, and offer access to training and development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services. You will enjoy Australian Public Service conditions that include an attractive salary package and versatile, family-friendly working arrangements.

Our staff have access to flexible working hours with opportunities for part-time and home-based work. Defence provides employees with a superannuation contribution of 15.4 per cent, higher than most industries, with the opportunity for you to make additional personal contributions.

We are committed to the personal and professional development of our staff, and welcome interested candidates to apply to join our team. Defence is committed to recruiting the right people, in the right jobs, at the right time - whether it is creating, acquiring or delivering Defence capability. Our greatest asset is our people.

Our Ideal Candidate

As an APS 6, Technical Cost Estimator you will thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy working with data and financial information,



and have a strong ability to analyse and translate complex information into clear, practical insights.

You will demonstrate sound judgement, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to provide informed advice that supports effective decision-making and contributes to successful business outcomes. You will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Highly motivated and organised, you will be adaptable, proactive, and capable of managing competing priorities in a changing environment.

Your application should address the above competencies. If you bring these strengths and possess a strong personal drive to support and enhance Australia’s maritime capability, we welcome your application.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers

📌 Technical Cost Estimator (Darwin)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Darwin