Program/Project Manager

The Role

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. The whole-of-nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting-edge nuclear-powered submarine program will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) have joined together through the AUKUS partnership to support a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute to one of the most complex and nationally significant programs in Australia’s history.AUKUS partners agreed to an Optimal Pathway to deliver an enduring SSN capability for Australia.

The Optimal Pathway is a phased approach that will ensure Australia’s capacity to safely operate, maintain and regulate naval nuclear propulsion technology, and set the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation. Deliver an SSN capability for Australia in less than a decade, ensuring there is no capability gap; bolster Australia’s ability to respond to the changing strategic environment and credibly adds to our deterrence posture; and transform and integrate our trilateral industrial bases to support SSN production, cooperation and maintenance in the decades ahead.

The Australian Submarine Agency’s (ASA) Infrastructure Planning and Coordination (IP&C) Division is responsible for planning and coordinating the delivery of physical infrastructure that will enable AUKUS partners to have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling, Australian’s acquisition and sustainment of Virginia class submarines, and Australia’s sovereign build and sustainment of SSN-AUKUS submarines.

As an EL 1 Assistant Director with IP&C Division, you will provide leadership and coordination across a complex infrastructure program, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and broader AUKUS milestones. You will manage program and project governance, controls, and build and grow strong relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and AUKUS partners. Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary infrastructure teams ensuring the effective delivery of infrastructure activities.
2. Represent the ASA IP&C Division in engagement with AUKUS program stakeholders to facilitate delivery of the infrastructure program, including government, infrastructure delivery partners and industry.
3. Contribute expertise in quality assurance, governance, and strategic communications, ensuring accurate reporting, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with program objectives.
4. Prepare high-quality briefs, submissions, and reports for senior leadership and governance committees.
5. Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, including AUKUS partners, government agencies, industry participants, and internal divisions, fostering collaboration and shared outcomes.
6. Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring infrastructure scope aligns with program milestones and regulatory requirements.
7. Identify and manage risks and opportunities, incorporating these into planning and decision-making processes.
8. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, engineering standards, and nuclear safety and security principles throughout all phases of delivery.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in ASA as a Building Capability Payment (BCP). This enables ASA to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the ASA Enterprise Agreement, for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to ASA capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Our people are capable, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration and prioritises safety and security. Our greatest asset is our people.

At the ASA, the IP&C Division plays a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s submarine capability. We are at the forefront of delivering the physical infrastructure that underpins the AUKUS partnership, including supporting rotational presence at HMAS Stirling, enabling Australia’s acquisition and sustainment of Virginia Class submarines, and driving the sovereign build and sustainment of SSN-AUKUS submarines.

Our work spans major sites in Western Australia and South Australia, where we collaborate with government, industry, and international partners to deliver complex, high-profile projects. Joining IP&C means being part of a supportive environment where your contribution is valued and your growth is encouraged. We offer professional development opportunities to help you build your skills and advance your career, while working on complex, high-profile projects that make a real impact.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organization seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime program.

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and can operate with a high degree of independence. Our ideal candidates will bring the following attributes and skills to the role:

1. Experience in client-side delivery of major programs and/or projects.
2. Strong program and project management skills, including governance, scheduling, risk management, and reporting.
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare clear and concise briefs and submissions.
4. Proven ability to create and manage project documentation, including schedules, management plans, and reporting artefacts.
5. Ability to influence and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
6. Sound judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes under pressure.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 5 July 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/03227/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=DD3F9B19-7EC1-2EDE-890C-ED049D4E69EC