- Osborne – SA, Port Adelaide - SA
- $124,393 - $140,315 (EL 1) + 10% - 15% BCP + Superannuation
The Role
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.
Multiple opportunities exist at the EL1 level within the Construction Engineering Directorate, including:
- EL1 Mechanical Systems Senior Engineer
- EL1 Electrical Systems Senior Engineer
Across both roles, you will work within highly complex, safety-critical environments, collaborating with shipbuilders, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams to support the successful delivery of this nationally significant program.
EL1 Mechanical Systems Senior Engineer
Reporting to the Mechanical Systems Lead, as an EL1 Mechanical Systems Senior Engineer, you will provide technical assurance and oversight of mechanical systems associated with submarine construction, including propulsion support systems, auxiliary systems, piping, and fluid systems.
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 activities for mechanical platform system installation, integration, and testing.
- Assess compliance of submarine mechanical systems 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 objective quality evidence to support certification and acceptance.
- Engage with shipbuilders and ASA technical specialists to resolve complex engineering issues.
You will apply sound engineering judgement to ensure mechanical systems operate safely, reliably, and in accordance with stringent submarine design and performance requirements.
EL1 Electrical Systems Senior Engineer
Reporting to the Electrical Systems Lead, the EL1 Electrical Systems Senior Engineer, you will provide technical assurance and oversight of electrical systems supporting submarine construction, including electrical power generation, conversion and distribution.
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 activities for electrical system installation, integration, and testing.
- Assess compliance of submarine electrical systems 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 the development of robust evidence for system certification and operational acceptance.
- Engage with shipbuilders and ASA technical specialists to resolve complex engineering issues.
You will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of complex electrical systems that underpin submarine capability and operational effectiveness.
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.
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:
- Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical systems construction assurance, including fabrication, installation, integration, and testing within submarine, naval, nuclear, or other complex industrial environments.
- Experience in technical oversight, inspections, quality control, and quality assurance within safety-critical or highly regulated projects.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications, and assess alignment between design intent and as-built outcomes.
- Understanding of relevant engineering standards and frameworks, including mechanical systems (e.g. piping, pressure systems, rotating equipment) and/or electrical systems (e.g. power distribution & storage, and lighting).
- Knowledge of compliance, verification and validation processes, and engineering change management in complex programs.
- Proven ability to identify non-conformances, undertake root cause analysis, and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical, and authoritative technical advice.
- High level of attention to detail, professional integrity, and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively in shipyard, construction, or heavy industrial environments, including conducting on-site inspections and engaging directly with build teams.
Application Closing Date: Sunday 16 August 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/03607/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=5BA2A907-7C80-7AAB-A8D9-ED1D13696CEB