• Port Adelaide
• Osborne (SA)
The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavor for Australia. The whole-of-nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting edge nuclear-powered submarine program will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.
You will contribute to the independent technical oversight and assurance of submarine construction activities, ensuring compliance with design intent, engineering standards, and stringent safety and quality requirements.
APS 6 Ship Build Engineer
Reporting to the EL 1 Ship Build Lead, as the Ship Build Engineer, you will provide expert engineering support and assurance across construction activities associated with the nuclear steam raising plant.
You will:
- Initially support the development of ASA Engineering Management System plans, processes and procedures for the conduct of submarine construction technical assurance.
- Conduct surveillance, inspection and verification of hull structures and module fabrication.
- Assess compliance of submarine hull system fabrication against design specifications, engineering standards, and safety requirements.
- Contribute to the development of objective quality evidence to support certification and acceptance.
- Identify risks, defects, and non-conformances, supporting investigation and resolution.
- Contribute to the development of high-quality objective evidence for regulatory and program acceptance.
- Engage with shipbuilders and ASA technical specialists to resolve complex engineering issues.
This role requires strong analytical capability and sound engineering judgement to ensure that all aspects of submarine hull construction meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Working Environment and Development
Across all roles, you will operate in shipyard environments alongside with shipbuilders and suppliers, with opportunities for interstate and international travel. You will also provide authoritative advices on safety-critical systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across government, industry, and international partners in delivering safe and compliant outcomes.
These positions also offer a unique professional development opportunity, including the potential for a 2–3 year placement at a partner shipyard in the United Kingdom, providing hands-on experience in advanced submarine construction and strengthening sovereign capability on return to Australia.
Impact
Your work will directly contribute to the safe, compliant, and effective delivery of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability—supporting a program of national significance that will shape Australia’s security and industrial landscape for decades to come.
This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in ASA as a Building Capability Payment (BCP). This enables ASA to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the ASA Enterprise Agreement, for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to ASA capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
The Construction Engineering Directorate within the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) Engineering and Technology Division is responsible for delivering expert engineering oversight of submarine construction and fabrication activities. The Directorate plays a key role in assuring that hull, structural, and reactor-related systems are manufactured in accordance with design intent, regulatory requirements, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
Our team provides technical leadership and assurance across shipyard and supplier environments, undertaking surveillance, inspection, and quality assurance of fabrication processes. This includes oversight of welding, materials, structural assembly, and engineering change implementation to ensure the integrity and performance of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.
Working closely with industry partners, regulators, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, the Directorate supports the development of objective quality evidence (OQE), ensures compliance with engineering and safety standards, and contributes to the safe, effective, and enduring delivery of Australia’s submarine program.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are a dynamic organization seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime program.
Our ideal candidate will bring the following attributes and skills to the role:
- Strong knowledge of fabrication, welding, and materials engineering, ideally in submarine, naval, nuclear, or heavy industry environments
- Experience in technical oversight, inspections, quality control, and quality assurance within safety-critical projects
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications and assess design intent vs as-built outcomes
- Understanding of quality standards, compliance frameworks, and engineering change processes
- Capability to identify non-conformances, conduct basic root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide clear technical advice
- High level of attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to safety and quality
- Ability to work collaboratively in shipyard/industrial environments and conduct on-site inspections
Application Closing Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/03611/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=E3457D8C-562B-428B-AD17-ED0A73691C2A