Senior Mechanical Engineer - UK Placement

Have you always wanted to work overseas? Are you interested in expanding your career with the opportunity to receive world‑class training? An exciting career awaits you at ASC! We 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, we are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to live, work and learn about building nuclear‑powered submarines in Barrow, United Kingdom (UK). At the completion of your deployment, you will return to South Australia (SA) to carry out the build activities at the Osborne Shipyard. Placements are available for September 2026 and will be 24 months in duration.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and engineering process optimisation.
• Support the design and development of SSN‑A mechanical systems.
• Assist in the development of mechanical design documentation, models, and specifications.
• Capture and document UK mechanical engineering practices, tools, and lessons learned for future application, and to inform training materials for future Australian mechanical engineers.
• Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, and system integration planning.
• Liaise with UK engineers and stakeholders to understand system requirements, interfaces, and constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or qualifications satisfying the membership eligibility of Engineers Australia.
• 3+ years of experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems design, integration, and verification.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Australian Citizenship.
• An ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 defence clearance.

Additional Details

Once deployed, you will be immersed into the processes and procedures 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 will undertake specific rotations whilst in Barrow to further enhance your capabilities in submarine design and build. At the end of your assignment, 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. Blending vibrant city living with natural beauty, South Australia offers a relaxed lifestyle. Known for innovation in defence, space, and advanced manufacturing, Adelaide combines career opportunities with affordability, a thriving food scene, and a welcoming, family‑friendly community. Repatriation to SA is non‑negotiable, so please consider this when applying. Please note: This is a Civilian role and recruitment processes will differ from those undertaken in Active Service Defence.

Benefits

• Be paid to work, train, and live in the United Kingdom.
• Work on world‑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 overseas (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

Applications will be reviewed in January 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to organise a phone call for a further discussion of the opportunity.