Senior Project Controller

Job Description

Senior Project Controller

Job Location: This role can be based out of our SA – Osborne Naval Shipyard or our VIC – Melbourne Central Office locations

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements including a 9-day fortnight – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

Senior Project Controller is responsible for the effective use of the company’s Schedule Management and Earned Value Management (EVM) systems within the corporate Lifecycle Management (LCM) framework, ensuring the project management team can adequately monitor and report on project cost, schedule progress, and risk status. This role supports the Project Controls community in developing capability within scheduling and EVM skillsets, promoting consistency and best practice across projects.

In the conduct of assigned duties, the Senior Project Controller must maintain the goodwill of the Customer and company management, by ensuring that our established EVM processes are carried out to report and manage the project with timely, accurate EVM data.

Core Duties:

• Accountable for providing management, coordination, and expert support to deliver the project controls scope of work, including cost and schedule baselines, effective use of project controls toolsets, and EVM/project reporting.
• Support the project team in establishing and maintaining cost and schedule baselines, including development and control of all associated baseline documentation and change control processes.
• Establish, maintain, and control the Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS), CWBS Dictionary, and CWBS Index.
• Develop, manage, and control integrated project schedules, including the Contract Master Schedule (CMS), multi-tier schedule frameworks, and fully resourced Control Account and Work Package/Planning Package level schedules with appropriate Earned Value (EV) techniques.
• Coordinate and manage the monthly EVM cycle, including cost account status reporting, schedule status, forecasting, estimate to complete (ETC) and estimate at complete (EAC) inputs, and the preparation of progress and variance analysis reports.
• Provide accurate and timely EVM reporting and performance analysis to the project team on a monthly basis.
• Conduct schedule and cost analysis, to support forecasting and decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance in the use of project controls tools (e.g. Open Plan, Primavera, Microsoft Project, Cobra), including entry and maintenance of baseline, progress, and forecast data, and supporting project team proficiency.
• Facilitate planning and review sessions with Control Account Managers (CAMs), Project Managers (PMs), and Project Controls team members to develop, maintain, and resolve issues relating to schedule, cost, and project controls.
• Lead and support continuous improvement and capability development within the Project Controls team and broader project community.

About You

• Demonstrate proven performance and progression as a Project Controller in a Project or general administrative experience
• Understanding and working experience of Earn Value Management (EVM)
• Be able to provide SME support to the Planning & Controls team and the Project team in all cost & schedule tools incl. Primavera, Oracle and Cobra.
• Demonstrate and provide insight on compliance requirements of Project Controls policies and frameworks, the LCM framework, and industry better practice techniques.
• Be able to develop transparent and supportive relationships with customer representatives
• In depth knowledge of Project Controls principles and tools; recognised as a CAS system expert
• Working knowledge of quantifiable analysis of risk and uncertainty

The Hunter Class Frigate Program – Combat Systems Team

The Senior Project Controller will be apart of the Hunter Class Frigate Program within the Combat Systems team. The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by supporting the building of a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability for our nation.

Within the Combat Systems team, the Senior Project Controller will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS) on behalf of the Management Services Integrated Project Teams (IPTs). Management Services IPTs include Program Management, Australian Industry Capability and Program Integration.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.