Production Engineer

About the Opportunity

Austal Ships is seeking Production Engineers that will be embedded within the production environment and provide practical engineering support throughout vessel construction. Drawing on hands-on shipbuilding experience, identifying and resolving production issues, coordinate engineering solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, schedule and cost performance. 

We are particularly interested in candidates from the following disciplines:

• Structural/Fabrication
• Piping and Mechanical Systems
• Interior Fitout/Shipwright
• Electrical Systems

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

• Provide day-to-day engineering and technical support to production teams during vessel construction.
• Review production packages, drawings and work instructions to ensure readiness for construction activities.
• Act as the production-based Subject Matter Expert (SME) within your discipline.
• Liaise with Design Engineering to clarify technical requirements and resolve construction issues.
• Identify and remove production constraints impacting safety, quality or schedule.
• Develop practical solutions to build challenges while maintaining design and regulatory compliance.
• Support the planning and sequencing of construction activities to optimise production flow.
• Raise, track and manage technical queries, concessions and engineering changes.
• Assist with the development and improvement of production methodologies, work instructions and standard processes.
• Conduct routine inspections of work in progress to verify compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Support defect management, rework reduction and root-cause investigations.
• Collaborate with Production Supervisors, Planners, Quality and Engineering teams to achieve program milestones.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency and cost reduction.
• Support commissioning, testing and vessel handover activities as required.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality and operational excellence.

You’ll Need

• Minimum 5+ years of shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing or complex construction experience, preferably in a production environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of vessel construction, installation, assembly and outfitting activities.
• Previous experience in production leadership, supervision, leading hand or technical support roles will be highly regarded.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and production documentation.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, assembly, installation and commissioning processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Relevant trade qualification, engineering qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• Australian working rights and ability to obtain relevant clearances where required.

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.

Learn more at https://www.austaljobs.com/australia