- Brindabella Park - ACT, Stirling - WA, Osborne - SA
The Role
The AUKUS Submarine Optimal Pathway will establish major naval nuclear facilities at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island and Henderson (WA), and Osborne (SA), to support the arrival of Virginia Class submarines and construction of SSN-AUKUS in Australia. The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) is looking for EL 1 Assistant Director – Nuclear Regulations Specialists to assure the safe development and operation of these capabilities and the operation of naval nuclear power by Australia.
In this role, you will apply nuclear safety and radiological protection principles within a high-hazard environment, contributing to licensing, monitoring and compliance activities of the ANNPSR.
You will be required to communicate clearly, and exercise sound decision-making, while incorporating scientific and engineering expertise into the nuclear safety decisions you will be making. You will lead inspection teams, oversee regulatory activities for facilities and submarines, and support development of regulatory frameworks, procedures and stakeholder relationships.
Subject to training (including overseas), successful applicants may be accredited as Inspectors under the ANNPS Act 2024 and are expected to pursue ongoing professional development.
Some of these roles may be eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) as a Building Capability Payment (BCP) or Individual Flexibility Arrangement (IFA). This enables ANNPSR to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulatory Determination 2025 (Terms and Conditions of Employment), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to ANNPSR capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
The Regulations and Licencing Branch is composed of a diverse range of technical and operational backgrounds working together to promote nuclear safety and compliance of the AUKUS program. As part of the team, you will be working at the cutting edge of regulating the Australian Naval Nuclear Power capability, supported by professionalisation pathways so you can continue to develop, along with unique and varied career opportunities including:
World-Class Training & Development
Access structured learning programs, including specialist nuclear safety training, mentoring and opportunities for long-term overseas placements with US and UK partners.
Diversity of Technical Exposure
Every day at ANNPSR will be different, you will be working across technical challenges for both nuclear and non-nuclear systems, developing and implementing Australian first regulatory policy and working with national and international partners on achieving sovereign and trilateral goals.
Safety-First Culture
Work in an environment where safety, integrity, and accountability are at the heart of the organisation. Our nuclear safety culture is built on responsibility, respect, excellence and honesty.
Commitment to Growth
We invest in your development—building technical expertise and critical thinking skills so you can thrive in complex, high-pressure environments. You will work alongside Australian Public Service, Military and industry experts in multidisciplinary teams delivering capability.
Inclusive & Diverse Workplace
We value diverse perspectives and experiences. Your curiosity, adaptability, and questioning mindset will be encouraged in a collaborative environment that fosters a strong nuclear safety culture.
Our Ideal Candidate
As an EL 1 Assistant Director - Nuclear Regulations Specialist you will be required to demonstrate a range of skills, however the specific competencies below are considered critical to success within the Regulation and Licensing Branch.
- Decide and initiate - Decide, take responsibility and calculated risks, take initiative and generate activity, in particular in a technical field.
- Apply expertise - Apply, develop and share specialist and detailed technical expertise, understand organisational priorities and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Learn and research – Problem solve, including in collaboration with others. Integrate technical and regulatory knowledge rapidly, to support informed decision-making and organisational learning.
- Persuade and influence – Make an impact, gain agreement, negotiate, persuade, convince, promote ideas, manage conflict.
- Cope with pressures and setbacks - Cope with pressure, keep emotions under control, balance work and personal life, keep optimistic, handle criticism.
Application Closing Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference ANNPSR/02906/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=261D73C4-3021-449E-E993-ECF2EEF8BD20