ASC is Australia’s submarine company. We built the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines, sustain them, and are now delivering their Life of Type Extension to increase the boats’ service lives. We have also been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build the nation’s nuclear-powered submarines – the largest and most complex industrial undertaking in Australia’s history.

Our work is interesting and meaningful, contributing directly to Australia’s national security. We offer rewarding roles that provide the opportunity to grow your career, and the flexibility to balance life and work. A career at ASC is like no other, delivering a deeper purpose we can all be proud of.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Engineering Work Package Lead to join our Innovation, Science & Technology team. This pivotal role will drive the delivery of innovation outcomes, foster the development of emerging capabilities, and enhance technical excellence across a diverse portfolio of initiatives and projects.

In this leadership position, you will be responsible for empowering a team to deliver innovation initiatives and technical work packages that develop, mature and implement new capabilities within ASC that are aligned to strategic business objectives. Combining strong program delivery expertise with people leadership, you will ensure engineering activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organisational engineering standards, innovation goals, and operational priorities.

As a key leader within the Innovation, Science & Technology team, you will champion innovative ways of working and thinking, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration amongst engineering and technical professionals. You will provide engineering management leadership, support the growth and development of technical capability within the team, and drive consistency in engineering practices to ensure high-quality outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is passionate about innovation, engineering excellence, and developing high-performing teams that are positioned to undertake meaningful projects which deliver a lasting impact.

This is a full-time opportunity based at our Osborne site in South Australia.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Innovation, Science & Technology (IS&T) engineering work packages, ensuring technical activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project objectives, engineering standards, and strategic innovation objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, collaboration, and high performance.
• Develop, oversee, and review technical plans and engineering deliverables to ensure quality outcomes and the successful development and implementation of innovative capabilities.
• Monitor and manage technical scope, risks, issues, and dependencies, proactively implementing mitigation strategies to support IS&T program success.
• Provide engineering leadership and technical oversight, engaging with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders to ensure technical outcomes are achieved and aligned with project objectives.
• Support the maturation of IS&T processes, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment with broader organisational frameworks and engineering governance requirements.
• Identify, coordinate, and optimise engineering resources and cross-functional support to meet project and program delivery requirements, progressing innovation initiatives while maintaining stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Provide oversight and guidance for IS&T design and manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with established processes, promoting best practice engineering approaches, and enhancing technical capability across the function.

About you 

To be successful in this role, you will be a collaborative and solutions-focused engineering leader with a strong track record of delivering technical outcomes and delivering new capabilities within complex defence, maritime, or highly regulated engineering environments. You bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, innovation mindset, and commercial awareness, enabling you to guide teams through challenges while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and project objectives.

• Relevant engineering qualifications and experience in the coordination and delivery of engineering activities, ideally within a defence, military, or maritime environment.
• Professional accreditation with Engineers Australia (CPEng, CEngT or CEngA) or an equivalent recognised body, or the ability to obtain accreditation within an agreed timeframe.
• At least 5 years' experience delivering engineering activities across the engineering product lifecycle, including design, development, innovation and/or sustainment programs.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams to deliver complex technical solutions and project outcomes.
• Strong understanding of engineering governance, configuration management, product safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing technical and project risks, resolving integration challenges, and driving issue resolution in complex and evolving project environments through collaboration with stakeholders.
• Knowledge of subcontractor management, engineering service providers, procurement activities, and supply chain considerations.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organisation.
• A proactive and adaptable leadership style, with a passion for innovation, continuous  learning, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the resilience to overcome obstacles and drive projects back on track as required.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance, an Australian Defence Security Clearance and an ability to access protected US defence technology. Your eligibility for this role is dependent on you obtaining and maintaining such clearances and approvals.

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.

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

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 2,500-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.