ASC is Australia’s submarine company. We built Australia’s Collins Class submarines, sustain the Collins Class fleet, and have been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.

To deliver on this new work, ASC are seeking an experienced Quality Control Specialist to live, work and learn about building nuclear-powered submarines in Barrow, United Kingdom (UK).

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to further your career and professional capabilities through collaborations and upskilling with world-leading industry partners.

About the Opportunity

As a Quality Control Specialist, you will be accountable for establishing quality control processes for the build of the SSN AUKUS submarines, with a focus on ensuring high-quality, and that safe and efficient systems of work are maintained throughout the team. This role will require balancing competing priorities related to quality, risk management, and value for money outcomes.

Effective stakeholder engagement is essential to ensure quality processes are understood and applied consistently. 

Once deployed, you will be immersed into the processes and procedures required to construct SSN-AUKUS submarines. You will receive a tailored development plan, giving you exposure to world-class submarine programs, and informed of specific rotations you will complete whilst in Barrow to further enhance your capabilities in submarine design and build.

At the completion of your deployment, you will return to South Australia (SA) to carry out build activities on the SSN-AUKUS Submarines at the Osborne Shipyard. Living and working in South Australia will be non-negotiable, so please consider this when applying.

Successful candidates will deploy August/September 2025.

Please note this is a Civilian role and recruitment processes will differ from those undertaken in Active Service Defence recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of the SSN-AUKUS Quality Management strategy, aligning with ASC business strategy.
• Set clear goals and drive results in conjunction with the Joint Partner.
• Define and implement quality programs, ensuring governance arrangements empower teams while maintaining compliance.
• Provide advice on supply chain frameworks and policies.
• Communicate business strategy and goals to team members, manage to outcomes, and delegate responsibilities.
• Provide tools for professional growth and foster a culture of recognition and innovation.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Quality Management, or relevant experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in quality management, ideally within a shipyard, or heavy engineering, or manufacturing environment.
• High standards and expectations in order to deliver a quality product.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance conflicting priorities and deliver against customer requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance to NV1 level.
• Must be an Australian Citizen.

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.

Whilst ASC will accept all applications for this role, as this role requires an ability to access protected U.S. 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.

What are the benefits?

We’re here to support you prior to departing for the UK and when you are overseas. As an ASC employee working in the UK, you will have access to a host of great benefits:

• Be paid to work, train, and live in Barrow, UK for the next 2 years.
• Work on world-class nuclear-powered submarines and cutting-edge nuclear technology.
• Undertake world-leading training in nuclear technology.
• Have access to benefits and entitlements to support relocation and your time living and working in the UK (such as cost of living allowances, housing assistance, family assistance).
• Return home to a secure job with ASC in the future nuclear-powered submarine program.
• Access to ASC’s range of industry leading employment benefits.

About ASC

Established in 1985, ASC’s 1900-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.

Find your deeper purpose working with submarines at ASC.

Next Steps

• Applicants who are successfully shortlisted will be contacted as soon as possible for a brief, initial phone call to discuss further information on the opportunity and to discuss eligibility. From there, you may be invited to interview.
• Applicants who are not shortlisted will also be notified via email and at the earliest opportunity.