Job Title:  Project Manager

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. We deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Our determination to deliver and improve today, and anticipate and improve tomorrow, makes QinetiQ a very exciting and rewarding place to work and learn.

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

As a global leader in Laser Directed Energy technology, specialising in the development, testing and integration of high-energy laser systems, we are now accepting applications for a Project Manager to join our team in Adelaide. Reporting to the Products Manager, the Project Manager is responsible to lead and manage the strategy, governance, requirements definition, planning etc throughout the entire project life cycle with a focus on Laser Directed Energy programs.

The opportunity

As a Project Manager, your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Leading and managing a team of engineers, technicians and laser scientists in the delivery of laser directed energy research and development activities, inclusive of staff management responsibility and being part of the products group leadership team
• Leading and managing complex projects autonomously in accordance with the applicable Technical Management System, Quality Management System and project management framework requirements
• Establishing, implementing, managing and maintaining rigorous and effective complex project governance and controls aligned to QinetiQ project management frameworks, including implementation and management of a change management process that enables the PM to make and enact informed decisions with respect to technical, programmatic and commercial trade-offs and make-buy decisions in order to successfully deliver projects to the agreed objectives
• Leading key stakeholder engagement and collaboration and managing projects through interfacing with multiple internal departments with engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, facilities and trials teams as well as representing QinetiQ with all external customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Supporting and managing the required inputs to key strategic bids/proposals and submission for larger projects and programs, including those coming through the Business Growth team
• Supporting the Products Manager and General Manager in the development, implementation and maintenance of other Directed Energy projects, including continuous improvement of the project management framework
• Engaging and managing contractors and suppliers to support project execution, including development, implementation and management of commercial, contractual, supply chain integration and financial strategies and controls
• Leading and managing project procurement requirements to ensure all equipment and material purchases are conducted in accordance with approved procurement processes and required timelines to meet project delivery requirements

To be successful in the position of Project Manager, you will need to bring with you:

• Formal qualification or certification in Project Management and/or Engineering is essential
• A proven record in managing complex projects or programs across the project lifecycle, in a variety of product development, research and development and production/manufacturing environments with varying levels of complexity
• A strong track record in project control including project and programme governance and reporting, commercial strategy, financial management, risk management, scope development and management, change management, planning/scheduling and quantitative analysis and resource, schedule, estimation, budget and material forecasting
• Demonstrated experience in collaboratively leading and managing cross functional delivery teams and managing multiple customers across a portfolio of complex projects
• Significant leadership experience and capability across a cross functional workforce including engineering and scientific resources
• Demonstrated experience in customer strategic relationship management and negotiation
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex engineering development, research and development and production/manufacturing projects and environments

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must hold an Australian Defence security clearance, NV1 minimum or have the ability to obtain one

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Roz Byrne, People Partner via email; rbyrne@qinetiq.com.au

Applications will close on 19th June 2026

Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your professional development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Flexible work
• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

• Annual incentive scheme
• Complimentary salary continuance insurance
• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
• Relaxed dress code
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

#LI-RB

#LI-Hybrid

As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever-changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage, we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans, and First Nations people. 

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.