Have you always wanted to work overseas? Are you looking to expand your career with the opportunity to receive world-class training? 

An exciting career awaits you at ASC, Australia's submarine company - the sustainer of Australia's conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in the AUKUS partnership. To deliver on this new and exciting work, we are seeking skilled Pipe Welders and Nuclear Welders to undertake long-term, world-leading training in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.  

Placements are available in November 2026 and will be approximately 2.5-3.5-years in duration. 

Responsibilities  

As a Welder, you will: 

• Perform high‑integrity welding and cutting on structural, piping, mechanical and rotating components  

• Weld in all positions, selecting appropriate processes, consumables and welding sequences  

• Undertake weld build‑up and restorative work to return components to specification  

• Interpret drawings and instructions to prepare and lay out work accurately  

• Set up, operate, clean and maintain welding equipment and portable tools, including minor repairs  

• Control heat input, distortion and weld quality using correct pre‑heating and shielding techniques  

• Conduct in‑process inspections and rectify defects prior to NDT  

• Apply correct electrode handling, storage and temperature control practices  

• Maintain a strong safety focus, complying with hot‑work controls, fire‑prevention measures and shipyard standards 

• Provide guidance to apprentices and helpers and maintain required qualifications 

Eligibility Criteria  

The successful applicant must possess:  

• Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding/Boilermaking)  

• 3–5 years’ relevant industry experience (desirable) 

• Demonstrated competence in high‑integrity welding using GTAW (TIG), SMAW (Stick) and/or FCAW  

• Strong understanding of joint preparation, heat input control, distortion management and defect prevention  

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, weld symbols and welding procedures  

• Sound awareness of inspection requirements and weld repair processes  

• Strong commitment to safety, including hot work controls, confined space requirements and shipyard operating discipline  

• Australian Citizenship  

• An ability to obtain and maintain a NV1 defence clearance 

Only application based in Western Australia can be accepted due to an onsite welding teste required 

Additional Details 

During deployment, you will receive on the job training combined with instructor led classroom training. This training program and work is carried out in accordance with company and US Navy processes and procedures.  

At the completion of your deployment, you will return to Western Australia (WA) to carry out the planning, management, and in-water maintenance activities on the United States Navy Virginia Class Submarines.  

Repatriation to WA is non-negotiable, so please consider this when applying.  

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. 

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

Benefits  

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

• Be paid to work, train, and live in the United States 

• Work on US Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines and learn cutting-edge nuclear technology  

• Have access to benefits and entitlements to support relocation and your time living and working in the US (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 extensive employment benefits  

Next Steps  

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to organise a phone call for a further discussion to the opportunity.  

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may commence immediately.