The Role

As the APS 5 Contracting Officer within the High Frequency Sensing Systems Program Office (HFSSPO), you will provide administrative and coordination support across a range of commercial and contracting activities that contribute to the sustainment of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).

Working within a collaborative and supportive team environment, you will coordinate commercial documentation, maintain records and correspondence, assist with reporting activities, and support procurement and contract management processes. You will engage with stakeholders across Defence and industry while ensuring commercial activities are delivered in accordance with established policies, procedures and governance requirements.

This role offers a valuable entry point into the Defence commercial profession. Through hands-on experience supporting procurement, contracting and commercial governance activities, you will develop a strong foundation in commercial practices and gain exposure to the processes that underpin the delivery and sustainment of a critical Defence capability.

You will have opportunities to build your skills, broaden your commercial knowledge, and contribute to meaningful outcomes that support Australia's national security.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team The High Frequency Sensing Systems Program Office (HFSSPO) is responsible for upgrading, delivering and sustaining world-leading High Frequency radar capabilities for the Australian Defence Force. This includes the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN),



a unique sovereign capability that provides wide-area surveillance and contributes directly to Australia's national security. HFSSPO is also delivering the Arctic Over The Horizon Radar to Canada, Australia's largest Defence export program.

Our people work across complex projects, major capability upgrades and emerging technologies, collaborating with Defence, industry, academia and international partners. Together, we support capabilities that provide critical operational outcomes today while shaping Defence capabilities for the future. HFSSPO offers the chance to contribute to work of genuine national significance as part of a professional, collaborative and supportive team.

Whether your expertise is in project management, engineering, logistics, commercial, finance or corporate services, you will play a role in delivering outcomes that matter. Working in HFSSPO provides exposure to some of Defence's most advanced technologies and capability programs, offering opportunities to build valuable skills, broaden your experience and contribute to work that will have a lasting impact on Australia's future Defence capability.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a motivated and organised individual who is interested in developing a career in commercial and contracting services.

You have strong administrative and coordination skills, can manage competing priorities, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You communicate effectively, build productive working relationships and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes.

You may already have experience in administration, procurement, governance, contract support, finance or a related field, or you may be looking to apply your transferable skills within a commercial environment.

Most importantly, you are curious, eager to learn and keen to develop new skills. You demonstrate initiative, sound judgement and a positive approach to problem solving, and you are motivated to contribute to a high-performing team supporting a nationally significant Defence capability.

Security Clearance:

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

📌 Contracting Officer (Edinburgh)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Edinburgh