Capability Analyst

At Coras, we fuse expertise with humanity, rigour with creativity and innovation with curiosity. At the core of our business is the belief that a diversity of perspectives is the key to new thinking. That’s why our team brings together deep industry experience with some of the brightest minds in Australia. Our values are more than just words on an email signature; we’re driven by an ethos that inspires and governs everything we do.

The Roles

We have opportunities at the Consultant through to Manager levels for people with strong Defence capability analysis and strategic planning experience to join our Maritime Capability team in Canberra.

As a Capability Analyst, you will support the development and delivery of capability outcomes for Navy and other Defence clients. You’ll apply structured analysis, systems thinking, and strategic insight to shape options, assess risks, and guide investment decisions across complex Defence programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct capability analysis and contribute to the development of options, requirements, and risk assessments across Defence capability programs.
• Prepare high-quality strategic documentation including briefs, submissions, policy papers, and capability proposals.
• Ensure all written material aligns with Defence strategic guidance, policy frameworks, and capability investment priorities.
• Translate complex operational, technical, and strategic information into clear, concise language for senior audiences.
• Engage with stakeholders across Defence, CASG/NSSG, DSTG, Defence Industry, and other Government agencies to inform and shape capability outcomes.
• Support the preparation of material for senior committees, including capability reviews and investment submissions.
• Contribute to the integration of operational insights, lessons learned, and emerging technologies into capability planning.

Our Ideal Candidate

You bring demonstrated experience in Defence capability development, analysis, or strategic planning, ideally within a Navy or joint environment. You’re a strong strategic writer who can distil complexity into clarity and communicate with influence.

Required skills and attributes include:

• Sound understanding of the One Defence Capability System processes, particularly within the Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
• Ability to apply systems thinking and analytical frameworks to assess capability options and trade-offs.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and building consensus across diverse technical and policy groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to accuracy, structure, and strategic coherence.
• Experience providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior Defence leaders under tight deadlines.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with sound judgement and high integrity.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and proactive in managing competing priorities.
• Committed to supporting Defence’s mission and broader capability objectives.

Desirable Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Strategic Studies, Defence Management, Engineering, Policy, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with Defence project management and capability tools.
• Current NV1 or higher AGSVA Security Clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Prior experience within Navy, CASG/NSSG, or Defence industry highly regarded.

Why join Coras?

Coras prides itself on being a management consultancy with a difference. Underpinned by our core values, we are trailblazers for innovative consulting models and strategic solutions. As a result, we have built a culture that has our people’s aspirations, development and wellbeing front and centre.

Some of our employee benefits include:

• Well defined pathway for advancement
• Access to SME coaches to support your development
• Paid parental leave provisions
• Access to external and internal training, including a consulting skills program
• An additional 5 days per year of professional development leave
• Whole of company annual conference
• The opportunity to work with like-minded people on exciting projects
• Access to our Employee Assistance Provider