Verification and Validation Engineer

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.  

As a Verification & Validation Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring advanced naval combat systems perform as intended before they are deployed to the Royal Australian Navy fleet. Working alongside Defence stakeholders, industry partners and specialist engineering teams, you’ll support the verification, testing and validation of the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System Upgrade across the Hobart Class Destroyers. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge Defence technology, contribute to complex test programs and help deliver capability outcomes that strengthen Australia’s national security.

The Opportunity

As a V&V Engineer, you will support the planning, execution and assessment of combat system testing activities across a major maritime Defence program. You will develop verification plans, review test procedures, analyse test results and ensure all verification evidence is complete, traceable and aligned to Defence requirements.

Working across systems engineering, design assurance and test environments, you will collaborate with Defence, prime contractors and engineering teams to verify the performance of combat system capabilities prior to platform integration, sea trials and operational release.

This role offers exposure to advanced naval combat systems, complex engineering environments and senior Defence stakeholders while providing opportunities to further develop your systems engineering and Defence test expertise.

About the Program

Working within the Maritime Business Unit, you will contribute to the enhancement of Australia's air and missile defence capability through modernisation of the Royal Australian Navy's premier guided missile destroyers. The program is delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth, and partners, supporting the modernisation of one of the Royal Australian Navy’s most important surface combatant capabilities.

Does This Sound Like You?

You are analytical, detail-oriented and thrive in environments where testing, verification and evidence-based decision making are critical to program success.

You may have experience in:

• Verification and validation activities
• Test and evaluation programs
• Combat systems or systems engineering
• Requirements traceability and verification management
• Defence, maritime or complex engineering environments

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience in verification and validation, test and evaluation, or systems engineering roles
• Experience supporting complex Defence or naval combat system programs
• Knowledge of verification methods, requirements traceability and test documentation practices
• Experience developing or reviewing test procedures and acceptance criteria
• Ability to analyse test outcomes and support issue resolution activities

Desirable

• Experience supporting sea trials, harbour acceptance testing or platform integration activities
• Familiarity with DOORS, Jama or similar requirements management tools
• Experience working within multi-prime Defence delivery environments
• Experience supporting Commonwealth-led test and evaluation programs

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement. 

  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.