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’re seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to act as a recognised engineering authority within ASC. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across complex, high‑risk engineering activities, supporting delivery of critical submarine systems and capability outcomes.

You will influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams, balancing safety, cost and schedule considerations while ensuring engineering excellence. This is a senior leadership position suited to someone with deep technical expertise, strong engineering judgement, and the ability to operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering authority and technical leadership across complex mechanical engineering activities.
• Lead and contribute to the design, analysis and approval of systems, sub‑systems and components.
• Perform and oversee complex modelling, calculations and root cause analysis.
• Provide technical direction across the full engineering lifecycle to ensure safe and implementable outcomes.
• Review and approve engineering artefacts including specifications, reports and test procedures.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Support project delivery, including managing and recovering complex or at‑risk work packages.
• Balance technical risk, cost and schedule to deliver practical and effective solutions.
• Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Contribute to engineering governance, standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in technical forums and act as a technical authority or discipline lead where required.
• Prepare and present technical information to senior stakeholders.

About you 

• Degree qualified engineer with eligibility for MIEAust or equivalent, with Chartered status highly regarded.
• Recognised authority in a mechanical engineering discipline with deep subject matter expertise.
• Extensive experience leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering programs or systems.
• Strong capability solving highly complex engineering problems using structured approaches.
• Experience leading and influencing engineering teams at scale.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, lifecycle delivery, configuration management and technical governance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to balance technical, customer and business outcomes.
• High levels of accountability, integrity and professionalism, with a strong mentoring and leadership mindset.
• Experience in defence, submarine or other safety‑critical environments is highly regarded.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance. 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.

Benefits

• Unique and challenging work with a deeper purpose.
• Secure and long-term career opportunities that provide a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when and where you work for the best work- life balance.
• 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.
• Volunteer leave, so you can contribute back to the community.
• Paid reservist leave to support our nation’s defence capabilities.
• 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

ASC has served as Australia’s submarine builder and sustainer for over 35 years. ASC built the Collins Class submarines and now sustains the fleet in Osborne, South Australia and in Henderson, Western Australia. Supported by its predominantly Australian supply chain and a highly skilled workforce, we deliver submarine capability and availability to the Royal Australian Navy.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.