Jason Underwood brings over 15 years of Defence sector experience, joining BAE Systems in 2016. Jason is the Campaign Manager and Technical Lead for the Underwater Battlespace. Jason has worked across the BAE Systems Maritime Business supporting new product development, new-business capture and delivery of complex Maritime projects within BAE Systems and at the waterfront.

Jason holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace), and an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Throughout his career, he has worked with leading research and industry organisations, including BAE Systems, Defence Science and Technology Group, QinetiQ, NASA, and RMIT. His expertise in engineering, project management, and strategic leadership spans both Maritime and Aerospace domains, where he has delivered on critical acquisition and sustainment projects that directly support Australia’s defence capabilities.

Recently, Jason contributed significantly to the Australian Navy’s Destroyer Program, playing a central role in the transition of the Hobart Class Destroyers into service. He was instrumental in remediating the program from a Product of Concern to achieving Final Operational Capability (FOC). His efforts included establishing the DDG Systems Program Office (SPO) as an Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) and achieving the Australian Navy’s first fully recognised Authorised Material Support Delivery Organisation (AMSDO). Jason led the implementation of the Aviation Upgrade Program, supported the Hobart Class aviation type certification, and completed numerous major engineering changes to enhance class operations. His impact on supporting the fleet’s transition into service and achievement of FOC was recognised with a 2-Star commendation.

In the Aerospace domain, Jason has played a vital role in extending the service life of Royal Australian Air Force platforms, including the AP-3C, F/A-18 Super Hornet, and C-130 fleets. His contributions extend to major acquisition projects, such as the P-8 Poseidon, C-27J Spartan, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopter programs. For his extensive work on the AP-3C Structural Management Program, he received a Defence Achievement Award.

Outside of his Defence career, Jason is a co-owner of a cocktail bar in Surry Hills, Sydney, an avid camper, and a passionate DIY enthusiast. He combines technical depth, international collaboration experience, and commercial acumen in his ongoing commitment to innovate with new technologies and strengthen Defence capabilities.