The Role
The APS 6 Assistant Product Manager coordinates the rapid assessment and repair of defects on Pacific Nation maritime assets, ensuring timely restoration of capability. The Pacific Systems Program Office based in Cairns, Queensland is seeking an APS 6 Assistant Product Manager to join its high performing team.
The position requires demonstrated experience in the marine or maritime space that is capable of applying strong technical judgement in a fast paced sustainment operations environment. The successful candidates will possess a solid foundation in marine maintenance principles and experience working with complex Defence platforms and materiel.
Operating under broad direction, they will independently plan, assess and deliver critical engineering activities while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance and technical rigour in support of urgent maintenance outcomes.
About our Team
Maritime Sustainment 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.
Pacific Patrol Systems Program Office (PACSPO) sits within MSD and delivers sustainment services for the Pacific Maritime Security Program under the Pacific Division and provides limited engineering, technical, logistics and maintenance support to the 12 Pacific Island Nations and Timor Leste participating in the PMSP. 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 flexible, 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
The ideal candidate for the APS 6 Assistant Product Manager role will demonstrate strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and a high level of accountability in developing and delivering product management strategies and plans. They will be able to accurately scope, cost, document and report product management requirements, applying relevant Defence policies, processes, and procedures to ensure effective stewardship of Defence assets.
They will be an effective communicator who can engage, influence, and negotiate with stakeholders on complex issues to achieve business outcomes. The candidate will build and maintain productive working relationships and demonstrate initiative in identifying and addressing risks and issues. They will provide clear analysis of product performance and develop well considered options that balance cost, opportunity, and risk to optimise asset performance.
The ideal candidate will deliver high quality work within agreed timeframes, share their expertise, and guide less experienced team members. They will confidently translate and apply administrative, operational, technical, contract, and resource requirements to support complex product management activities while upholding Defence values and contributing to broader organisational objectives.
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.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 09 April 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference NSSG/01570/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=1BB1A30D-2F40-27D6-4442-ECC27DF520A1