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Principal Manufacturing Engineer

  • 978786
  • Osborne (SA)
  • Design & Engineering
  • Program / Project Management
  • Full time
  • Closing on: Dec 4 2026

About the Opportunity

 

ASC is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to provide technical leadership across manufacturing engineering activities supporting the delivery of Australia's future nuclear-powered submarines.

 

This is not a traditional manufacturing role. You will work at the forefront of advanced engineering, helping establish the manufacturing systems, processes, equipment and production methodologies required to build one of the most complex products in the world.

 

Working closely with engineering, production, planning and international partners, you will provide expert guidance on manufacturability, production readiness, technical risk and engineering assurance. Your work will directly influence the development of Australia's sovereign submarine construction capability for decades to come.

 

This full-time position is based in Osborne, South Australia.

 

 

Responsibilities

 

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will act as a recognised technical authority across manufacturing engineering activities within the SSN AUKUS Build Program.

 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing technical leadership across manufacturing systems, processes and production engineering activities.
  • Supporting the development of advanced manufacturing capability required for submarine construction in Australia.
  • Leading technical decision-making and engineering problem-solving for complex manufacturing challenges.
  • Driving production optimisation, quality, safety and engineering assurance outcomes.
  • Supporting verification, validation and certification activities for manufacturing systems and equipment.
  • Managing technical risks, issues and opportunities associated with build activities.
  • Contributing to design reviews, assurance forums and engineering governance activities.
  • Building capability through mentoring, coaching and developing engineers across the manufacturing discipline.
  • Collaborating with shipbuilder partners, suppliers and stakeholders both in Australia and internationally.

 

 

About you 

 

You are a senior engineering professional who understands how complex products are built and can influence technical outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.

 

You may have gained your experience in industries such as defence, maritime, naval shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, rail, aviation, oil & gas, mining, industrial production or other highly regulated environments where safety, quality and precision are critical.

 

To be successful, you will bring:

  • Engineering degree qualifications recognised by Engineers Australia.
  • Extensive experience within manufacturing, production, industrial or process engineering environments.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, production planning, process optimisation and quality assurance.
  • Experience leading complex engineering activities and influencing technical outcomes.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  • A passion for mentoring and developing engineering capability.

 

Highly Regarded

  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or ability to obtain.
  • Defence, maritime, submarine or naval experience.
  • Experience working within highly regulated or safety-critical industries.
  • Experience supporting major capital projects, infrastructure or advanced manufacturing programs.

 

 

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance to an NV1 level. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

To check your eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

Whilst ASC will accept all applications for this role, as this role requires an ability to access protected US defence technology, applicants holding nationality of certain foreign countries will not be eligible.

 

 

Benefits

  • Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
  • Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work/life balance.
  • Up to 10 days additional leave every year so you can rest and recharge.
  • Generous parental leave so you can give your family the focus it deserves.
  • Subsidised childcare to ease the financial pressure on your family.
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives so you can perform at your best at work.
  • Professional development opportunities to advance your career.
  • A diverse and supportive environment where you can thrive.
  • Discounts and exclusive offers from leading Australian brands to help you save.

 

About ASC

Established in 1985, ASC’s 3000-plus staff offer a depth of submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering experience and expertise that is unparalleled in Australia’s defence industry. The company’s work on Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine build and the Collins Class Life of Type Extension takes place in Osborne, South Australia, with sustainment shared across Osborne and Henderson, Western Australia. ASC also plays a leading role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.

 

 

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