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 conventionally armed, 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

Join the team shaping Australia’s future submarines. This role is pivotal in establishing and supporting the Australian Shipbuilder joint venture (ASC & BAE Systems) for SSN-AUKUS submarine construction. You’ll lead the design, development, and commissioning of construction tooling, jigs, and fixtures, driving continuous improvement and ensuring safety, quality, and performance standards. Collaboration with international partners and suppliers is key, with flexibility for varied hours and potential overseas travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead Tooling Development – Design, develop, and commission construction tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support SSN-AUKUS submarine production.
• Ensure Operational Readiness – Define tooling requirements across multiple trades and facilities, ensuring timely design, manufacture, and compliance.
• Drive Continuous Improvement – Implement and refine tooling solutions to meet evolving safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Collaborate Across Stakeholders – Engage with internal teams (production, planning, ICT, safety, procurement) and external suppliers, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage Complexity and Scale – Align tooling strategies with program milestones, security requirements, and the criticality of tooling to production readiness.
• Provide Technical Leadership – Mentor junior engineers, contribute to tooling standards, and engage stakeholders to drive capability development and knowledge sharing.

About you 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent)
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in heavy industry or defence.                                
• Proven experience in design, commissioning, and lifecycle management of construction tooling, jigs and fixtures
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, quality systems and safety standards.
• Proficiency in CAD software and engineering analysis tools

Excellent stakeholder engagement and project management skills

• Experience working in complex, regulated environments

• Foster a positive and collaborative project environment, promoting accountability and high performance.
• Adapt to evolving business needs, managing ambiguity and shifting priorities while maintaining delivery focus.

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.

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.
• Relocation support for you and your family, whether you’re from interstate or overseas.

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.

Apply today for a career with a deeper purpose.