AI Governance TEVV Specialist

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

Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for an AI Governance TEVV Specialist in Symonston, ACT to provide specialist technical leadership that will establish and mature Army's AI Test, Evaluation, Verification and Validation (TEVV) capability. You will help ensure AI-enabled systems are secure, reliable, trustworthy, operationally effective and aligned with Defence policy, regulatory and assurance requirements.

What You’ll Do 

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

• Developing, maintaining and reviewing Army AI governance and assurance artefacts, including AI Use Cases, System Cards, Model Cards and related documentation.

• Reviewing AI-related policies, submissions, technical papers and proposals, and advising on their implications for Army capability and decision-making.

• Supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of Army's AI governance, assurance and risk-management arrangements.

• Assessing AI-enabled systems, technical evidence, performance claims, limitations and risks as part of assurance and TEVV activities.

• Planning, coordinating and overseeing evaluation activities undertaken by Defence, industry, DSTG and other organisations.

• Helping Army act as an informed customer and assurance authority for AI-related activities delivered by third parties.

• Translating complex technical findings into clear, concise and actionable reports, briefs and decision-support products for senior stakeholders.

• Engaging with stakeholders across Defence, industry, academia and government, while building productive relationships and coordinating contributions to AI initiatives.

• Identifying risks, issues and opportunities associated with AI-enabled capabilities and recommending proportionate mitigation or management strategies.

• Capturing and transferring corporate knowledge, stakeholder relationships and lessons learned to support workforce continuity and capability development.

What You’ll Bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Operational Analysis, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics or another STEM discipline, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.

• At least five years' experience developing, implementing, managing, assuring, testing, evaluating or governing AI, machine learning, data-driven or other advanced technology solutions.

• Demonstrated experience applying engineering, systems engineering, risk, assurance, operational analysis, experimentation, test and evaluation or similar methodologies to complex real-world problems.

• Strong understanding of AI and machine learning systems, with the ability to assess technical documentation, performance claims, evidence, assumptions, limitations and risks.

• Experience developing, reviewing or applying governance frameworks, policies, assurance standards or risk-management approaches in a technology, engineering, capability, regulatory or operational environment.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret policy, governance and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical implementation approaches and balanced, risk-informed advice.

• Experience planning, conducting, supporting, assessing or overseeing assurance, verification, validation, test and evaluation, systems engineering, experimentation or operational analysis activities.

• Strong written communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefs, submissions and recommendations for senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Demonstrated ability to work across technical, governance, operational and policy functions and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.

Highly Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, Operational Analysis or a related discipline.

• Experience delivering AI, machine learning, advanced analytics or technology-enabled solutions within Defence, Defence Industry, DSTG, National Security, Commonwealth Government or another complex organisation.

• Experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, prompt engineering, autonomy, computer vision or advanced analytics capabilities.

• Experience developing or implementing responsible AI, assurance, risk, compliance, privacy, security or ethical AI frameworks, including Model Cards, System Cards, Use Case documentation or Assurance Cases.

• Experience with cloud AI platforms such as Microsoft Azure AI, AWS AI/ML or Google Cloud AI, and AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch or Scikit-learn, with proficiency in Python or a similar language.

• Experience acting as a customer representative, technical authority, assurance authority, evaluator or Independent Verification and Validation function.

Due to the nature of the work, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate Defence security clearance. 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 put your best foot forward.