Why Austal
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice, designing, constructing, and supporting defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators. The company operates in Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Austal Australia is delivering multiple naval shipbuilding and sustainment programs for the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Border Force, and the Department of Defence, employing approximately 1,000 people in facilities in located Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
About the Opportunity
Austal and the Commonwealth of Australia are currently negotiating a landmark Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) that will support the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise and the delivery of multiple new defence force shipbuilding projects, such as Landing Craft-Medium and Landing Craft-Heavy for the Australian Army.
Once signed, the SSA will drive significant growth across our industry and workforce, as we deliver both existing and new programs under a long-term partnership. It will also enable the design and construction of vessels at our Henderson shipyard and marks a major step forward in establishing enduring shipbuilding capability within the Henderson Defence Precinct and across Western Australia.
To achieve this, we are building a highly skilled team, to engage with local industry and supply chains, and work on complex, large-scale projects that reflect Austal’s proven capabilities and trusted performance.
As the Welding Capability Lead the position is responsible for the delivering the Welding Capability Management plan for Austal Defence Australia.
The role ensures that the welding activities of Austal Defence Suppliers meet contracted quality standards across current and future builds delivered under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA).
The role requires a proactive approach to weld assurance activities that supports our Suppliers, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks to welding processes. As a Weld Capability Lead you will be expected to provide Subject Matter Expert guidance on best practice weld management, including identifying appropriate and sustainable corrective actions to resolve the root cause of weld defects.
The role takes a lead on developing, documenting and implementing Austal Defence weld capability processes.
Working closely with the ADSA Engineering team, you’ll ensure welding standards are clearly defined in work packages and that subcontractor welding operations are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality.
The role also oversees Austal Defence validation of Supplier welding tests and inspections, aligned with program-specific inspection and test plans. Additionally, the role supports the Austal Defence Shipbuilding Specialist team in identifying process or technology improvements, delivering cost-effective and industry-leading capability.
What’s Involved
- Working within an integrated team support the develop Austal Defence’s welding capability.
- Conduct Audits of, and oversee, efficient subcontractor welding operations aligned to Program Quality plans.
- Maintain and manage welding process documentation, ensuring accessibility within the Austal Defence BADMS system.
- Ensure welding activities conducted by ADA Suppliers comply with industry standards, codes, and project-specific requirements, including evaluation of NDT performance.
- Recommend systems for tracking welder contributions to tasks, enabling effective defect isolation and quality control
- Provide regular reports to senior management on welding progress and quality performance
- Develop and implement weld mapping systems aligned with dimensional control standards
- Conduct assurance audits, manage non-conformances, and monitor subcontractor compliance with welding procedures.
- Train QA team members on weld control procedures and promote continuous improvement across welding operations.
You’ll Need
- Diploma or higher qualification in Welding Engineering, Non-Destructive Testing or a related Engineering Qualification.
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a lead role in a welding operation
- Detailed knowledge of welding techniques, materials and equipment including methods for weld inspection and testing in support of efficient operations
- In-depth understanding of industry standards and codes
- Proficiency in welding software and tools
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Internal auditor training (nationally accredited)
Why Austal Defence
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.
Our global team is guided by a universal set of values that describe the focus of our efforts. Our goal is for all our decisions and actions to reflect these core values. We believe that putting our values into practice creates the greatest benefits for our shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities in which we serve.
Excellence - Customer Focus - Integrity - Team Work
At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.
