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

The SSN AUKUS Build program is being conducted in Australia by a joint venture of ASC and BAE Systems, currently referred to as The Australian Shipbuilder. This role is based in Australia and is integral to the development and delivery of sovereign submarine manufacturing capability.

The Program Engineering Manager – Manufacturing will lead the end‑to‑end manufacturing engineering workstream that enables Australia’s sovereign SSN AUKUS submarine build capability. Working within the Build Preparedness Integrated Project Team, the role drives industrialisation, production system design, and factory and supplier readiness while integrating closely with design, quality, supply chain, operations and program controls. This position builds and leads a multidisciplinary team to achieve progressive manufacturing readiness and ensure a successful transition into full-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with program scope, schedule, cost and risk.
• Build and guide a high‑performing manufacturing engineering team while fostering strong collaboration across stakeholders.
• Develop and mature end‑to‑end production systems, including takt, layout, flow, sequencing, tooling and fixtures.
• Integrate Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles and manage EBOM‑to‑MBOM transformation and design changes.
• Establish digital manufacturing data sets and maintain strong configuration control and data integrity.
• Drive factory and supplier readiness, including facilities preparation, special process qualification and first article activities.
• Oversee manufacturing quality planning, PFMEA, control plans and compliance with WHS, AMSDO, export control and security requirements.
• Manage manufacturing schedules, costs, risks and opportunities to support successful program delivery.

About you

• Extensive experience leading manufacturing engineering for large, complex defence or industrial programs.
• Strong capability in production system design, industrialisation, and EBOM‑to‑MBOM conversion.
• Proven program management expertise across schedule, cost, risk and EVM.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams, including team development and performance management.
• Deep knowledge of engineering governance, AMSDO, product safety and defence compliance requirements.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., shipbuilding, submarine, aerospace), with familiarity in PLM/ERP systems, supplier industrialisation, MRLs, special processes and first‑article build; eligibility for professional accreditation and Defence security clearance.

A degree of flexibility is required in working hours, to support engagements with colleagues in other time zones. This role may also require periodic or regular overseas travel.

Eligibility

This role requires a current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance (Negative Vetting Level 1). 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.
• 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.
• 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.

You may be eligible for relocation assistance should you reside interstate. Adelaide, South Australia (SA), combines cosmopolitan living with natural beauty, featuring picturesque hills, renowned wineries, and stunning coastlines. As a centre for innovation, SA offers careers in defence, space and advanced manufacturing. Celebrated for its Mediterranean climate and cultural richness, Adelaide provides excellent work/life balance. Explore world-class wineries, enjoy the vibrant food scene, and experience affordable, family-friendly living in a welcoming, community-oriented city. 

About ASC

ASC’s 2,400-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. Established in 1985, the company’s work on Australia’s conventionally armed, 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.