Field Engineering Lead

About the Opportunity

Based in Henderson the Field Engineering Lead will be responsible for leading the field engineering team in delivering technical support, construction oversight, and design integration during the shipbuilding process. The role ensures that engineering deliverables are implemented accurately on-site, interfaces effectively with production and design teams, and drives resolution of field engineering issues to maintain schedule, quality and safety standards.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. With operations spanning multiple sites, Austal offers diverse career opportunities in trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate functions and operational delivery.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Lead and coordinate field engineering activities, allocating resources to support construction priorities, project milestones, and site requirements.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for production teams, providing timely advice and resolution of engineering and design-related issues.
• Investigate, manage, and resolve complex technical challenges during construction, coordinating with design, production, and system stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
• Review and manage engineering change requests, field modifications, and construction-related design changes in accordance with project requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, planning, quality, and commissioning teams to ensure field engineering activities support build schedules and operational objectives.
• Oversee the management of drawings and technical documentation, ensuring field changes are accurately captured and incorporated into as-built records.
• Lead, mentor, and develop field engineering team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and engineering excellence.
• Proactively manage technical risks and constructability challenges, supporting change management processes and implementing solutions that minimise impacts to cost, schedule, and quality.

You’ll Need 

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant Engineering field, or closely related discipline
• 10+ years relevant experience in shipbuilding, naval, offshore, or heavy industrial environment
• Strong understanding of ship construction methods, marine systems, and structural outfitting
• Proven experience resolving engineering issues in a live construction environment
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, models and specifications
• Application of engineering principles in ship construction, outfitting and system integration
• Interpretation of technical drawings, specifications, and classification requirements
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

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. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.