Viasat is seeking a skilled Configuration Manager to join its team, focusing on a satellite communications system for an Australian Government project. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing configuration management practices, ensuring version control, tracking changes and maintaining the integrity of software and system configurations throughout the development lifecycle.
You will collaborate with development and maintenance teams, employ configuration management tools and lead audits to ensure compliance with the project’s objectives. This role offers remote work flexibility with occasional travel to Viasat offices or project sites within Australia.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of experience in configuration and data management, along with a deep understanding of configuration management concepts and tools.
Australian citizenship and an active Australian Government Security Clearance (NV1) are required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and a passion for process-oriented work are essential for success in this position. Viasat is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, offering equal opportunities to all qualified applicants.
What You’ll Do
As a Configuration Manager, you will play a critical role in maintaining strong Configuration Management (CM) practices. Your responsibility will include managing systems, software and documentation for a satellite communications system that is part of an Australian Government project. You will be responsible for conducting management analysis to support version control, release management and overall configuration processes. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the development and maintenance teams to enforce configuration management protocols. This includes managing versioning, tracking changes, establishing workflows, overseeing configuration baselines and ensuring software configuration integrity throughout its lifecycle.
This role allows for remote work, but there will be some travel requirements to either a Viasat Australia office, the customer’s location in Canberra or the project site in Wagga Wagga, Australia.
Your Daily Responsibilities
The Configuration/Data Manager will handle several key responsibilities that are essential to the success of the project. These include:
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Configuration Baseline Management: One of your primary responsibilities will be to establish and maintain the configuration baseline. This refers to the approved and controlled versions that serve as a foundational reference point for ongoing development, testing and deployment.
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Identification of Configuration Items (CIs): You will identify configuration items, which could include software modules, hardware components, documents or configurations. After identifying these items, you will assign unique identifiers, attributes and relationships to each. Finally, you will store the configuration items in a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) or Configuration Management System (CMS).
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Change Control and Management: You will be responsible for controlling and managing configuration changes. This involves executing a change management process and defining how changes are requested, evaluated, approved, implemented, tested and documented.
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Utilization of Configuration Management Tools: In your role, you will use appropriate configuration management tools, such as version control systems, change management systems or configuration management software. These tools will help you record, track and monitor changes while assessing their impacts on the project or system.
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Conducting Configuration Verifications and Audits: You will lead and execute configuration verification processes and audits to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with the Configuration Management Plan (CMP) and program objectives.
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Reporting and Presenting Configuration Data: You will provide configuration data and status reports, update stakeholders on progress and identify any challenges or issues with the CM process. This includes communicating with developers, testers, users, customers and managers to keep them informed, gather feedback and resolve conflicts or problems.
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Improving CM Processes and Tools: You will continuously assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the CM process and tools. Using metrics, indicators or feedback, you will identify and implement recommendations for process and tool optimization.
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Program Configuration Management Plan (CMP) Development and Maintenance: You will contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of the Program CMP.
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Program Data Maintenance: You will maintain relevant program data and ensure it is up to date.
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Report Production: You will be responsible for producing reports for Program management and government partners as needed.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology or a related field from an accredited institution is preferred, it is not a strict requirement. However, the following qualifications and experience are essential:
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Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in configuration and data management, combined with at least three years of hands-on experience with Configuration Management (CM) tools such as CMDB, CMS or both.
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Understanding of CM Concepts: An in-depth understanding of configuration management concepts, methodologies and best practices is crucial to your success in this role.
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Export-Controlled Data Experience: Experience in handling export-controlled data and ensuring compliance with relevant requirements is essential.
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ASDEFCON Suite Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of the ASDEFCON suite of documents will be necessary to navigate the regulatory and procedural aspects of the project.
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Citizenship and Security Clearance: You must be an Australian citizen and either hold or have previously held an active Australian Government Security Clearance (NV1).
Additional Skills That Will Help You Excel
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Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: You should possess strong analytical abilities and a knack for solving problems efficiently and effectively.
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Communication Skills: You must be able to communicate effectively with customers and other stakeholders when necessary, conveying information clearly and concisely.
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Attention to Detail: Having an eye for detail will be vital, especially when recognizing when something does not meet expectations or standards.
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Process Orientation: A passion for adhering to consistent processes will serve you well in this role.
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Defence Project Experience: Previous experience working on a Defence Sustainment project will be advantageous.
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Sense of Responsibility: A strong sense of responsibility for ensuring processes are completed accurately and successfully will be crucial to your day-to-day work.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Viasat is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strongly believe in providing equal consideration for all qualified applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. At Viasat, we are dedicated to creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute.
Working at Viasat as a Configuration Manager provides a unique opportunity to be part of a team that shapes global communication networks and drives impactful solutions. In this role, your expertise in configuration management will contribute to the success of a critical satellite communications system for the Australian Government. With a focus on maintaining configuration baselines, managing changes and ensuring accuracy, your work will be at the core of Viasat’s mission to revolutionize how the world stays connected.
We welcome individuals who are passionate about working within a structured, process-oriented environment and are excited to contribute to a project that will shape the future of satellite communications. If you are ready to take on this challenge and become part of a team that delivers on its mission to change the world, we encourage you to apply and join us at Viasat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of version control in this role?
Version control ensures that any changes to systems or software configurations are properly documented, managed and implemented to maintain the stability and integrity of the project. It helps avoid conflicts, maintain consistency and track progress across development stages.
What type of projects will the Configuration Manager be working on?
The Configuration Manager will work on a satellite communications project for the Australian Government, focusing on ensuring proper configuration management for the system’s software, hardware and documentation.
What tools are commonly used for configuration management in this role?
Common tools include version control systems, change management systems and configuration management software like CMDB and CMS, which help manage and track configuration changes across the project lifecycle.
Does Viasat provide equal employment opportunities?
Yes, Viasat is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring that all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.
What are the key skills required to excel in this role?
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, a deep understanding of configuration management concepts and the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders are essential for success in this role.
What kind of security clearance is required for this position?
The position requires an active Australian Government Security Clearance (NV1). Applicants who have held one previously are also eligible to apply.
What is the role of change management in configuration management?
Change management ensures that any alterations to system configurations are carefully evaluated, approved, tested and implemented. This structured approach helps maintain the project’s stability, accuracy and compliance with objectives.
