Manufacturing Engineer – UK Placements

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 experienced Manufacturing Engineers 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 Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the manufacturing processes and ensuring the successful delivery of submarine projects, focusing on the integration of advanced manufacturing techniques and ensuring compliance with defence standards and regulations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, quality assurance, and supply chain, to drive innovation and efficiency in submarine production.

Once deployed, you will be immersed into the processes and procedures ultimately required to construct the SSN-AUKUS submarines in Australia. 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 the planning, management and 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

• Work closely with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to align manufacturing processes with project requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Introduce and integrate new manufacturing technologies and methodologies.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with defence industry standards and regulations.
• Oversee quality assurance protocols and conduct regular audits to maintain high standards.
• Mentor and develop a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation and utilisation of resources to meet project demands.
• Manage resources effectively, including manpower, materials, and equipment. Ensure optimal allocation and utilization of resources to meet project demands.

About you

• Bachelor level qualifications in a technical discipline relevant to Engineering.
• Prior experience delivering large, complex manufacturing projects, ideally within the defence industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of production and production systems.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• 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.

ASC Pty Ltd has proudly served as Australia’s sovereign submarine builder and sustainer for over 35 years. ASC built the Collins Class submarines and now sustains and upgrades the fleet in Osborne, South Australia and Henderson, Western Australia. Supported by its predominantly Australian supply chain and a highly skilled workforce, the company delivers world-class submarine performance to the Royal Australian Navy.