The role

We are seeking a highly capable and detail-oriented Project Controller / Scheduler with strong costing and financial management experience to support the planning and delivery of complex Defence acquisition and sustainment programs within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).

This role is responsible for developing, maintaining, and analysing integrated project schedules, cost models, and performance baselines to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with Commonwealth governance and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning and Scheduling

Develop, implement, and maintain detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using Defence-approved scheduling tools.

Ensure schedules accurately reflect dependencies, milestones, risk mitigations, and resource allocations across acquisition and sustainment phases.

Conduct schedule health checks, critical path analysis, and variance analysis to identify emerging issues or opportunities for recovery.

Integrate schedule data with cost and risk models to provide holistic program performance insight.

Performance Reporting and Governance

Prepare project performance reports, dashboards, and data visualisations to support decision-making by Project Directors, Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), and Defence stakeholders.

Contribute to schedule and cost assurance reviews, Gate Reviews and other internal assurance activities.

Maintain auditable data and ensure compliance with Defence project management and financial policies.

Stakeholder and Team Engagement

Work collaboratively with engineering, commercial, risk, and procurement personnel to ensure alignment of schedule, cost, and contract deliverables.

Provide analytical support and advice to internal and external stakeholders, including contractors and Commonwealth representatives.

Mentor and support junior staff in scheduling, project controls, and cost analysis best practices.

Costing and Financial Control

Maintain project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) financial inputs aligned to CASG’s financial.

Support the preparation of cost breakdown summaries, baseline reviews, and financial reports as they pertain to the WBS and IMS for governance forums.

Support the development and validation of Through Life Support (TLS) cost models to inform strategic planning and sustainment decisions.

Skills and Experience

Proven experience in project controls, scheduling, or cost analysis within a Defence, government, or complex engineering environment.

Demonstrated proficiency with Open Plan Professional, and knowledge of relevant financial analysis tools.

Strong understanding of CASG project governance, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk-based cost estimation.

Ability to translate technical and financial data into actionable insights for decision-makers.

Qualifications in Project Management, Engineering, Business, or Finance, and/or AIPM certification will be highly regarded.