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.

The Finance Branch in Chief Operating Officer (COO) division in ASA are looking to fill several vacancies in the Program Cost Team.

As part of the ASA Program Cost team you will assist the EL 2 Director, Program Costing in leading cost estimation and cost assurance functions in support of the Nuclear Power Submarine Program, contributing to the strategic outcomes of the ASA.

Due to the nature and system requirements of the role, the successful applicants will be required to work onsite at an ASA Office.

Key duties include:

• Using life cycle cost estimation methods, risk and uncertainty analysis, and undertaking detailed data modelling to develop estimates for a major acquisition and sustainment program.
• Developing cost models within a One Defence (ODCS) context using a range of project artefacts such as Work Breakdown Structures, risk registers and schedules.
• Providing considered advice and recommendations on program costs, affordability and risks to senior leaders to support strategic decision-making.
• Cost assuring the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of cost information and providing feedback to stakeholders regarding estimate quality.
• Preparing and presenting financial information for Executive Briefs and Cabinet Submissions.
• Leading, mentoring and guiding the development of junior team members.

EL 1 Assistant Director Program Costing

Tasks may include:

• Using life cycle cost estimation methods, risk and uncertainty analysis, data modelling, data analysis and financial forecasting to develop cost estimates for a major acquisition and sustainment program.
• Providing cost modelling support within a project context including the use of Project Management processes, Work Breakdown Structures, Scheduling and Risk Management.
• Providing strategic advice and recommendations on program costs and affordability to Senior leaders and Government to support the decision making process.
• Leading a blended team of APS and Contractors and assisting the EL 2 Director, Program Costing to manage the cost estimation capability within the ASA.

EL 1 Assistant Director Assurance and Advice

Tasks may include:

• Cost assurance and ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of cost data and financial information in a major acquisition project / program.
• Preparing cost and financial information for Executive Briefs and Cabinet Submissions and the presentation of cost information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identifying and assessing financial risks related to project costs, and providing advice and recommendations to Senior Leadership to support the decision making process.
• Leading a blended team of APS and Contractors and assisting the EL 2 Director, Program Costing to manage the cost assurance capability within the ASA.

About our Team

This is a unique opportunity to directly contribute to work that will impact Australia’s strategic and Defence outcomes, and the delivery of a capability that will play a key role in the defence of our country in the decades to come.

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) Program Cost Team supports the ASA Chief Financial Officer and the ASA Executive through the provision of strategic cost advice and development of cost estimates for the acquisition, sustainment and disposal of nuclear-powered submarines (NPS). The Program Cost Team is a blended team of APS and contracted staff.

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.

They can demonstrate:

• Experience in developing and/or assuring complex program cost estimates and models.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in presenting financial information to senior executives and stakeholders with varying views and objectives.
• An eye for detail supported with strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills with experience in writing briefs or responding to stakeholder information requests.
• A willingness to develop and learn new skills and to mentor junior staff.
• Ability to work independently, to tight deadlines and handle highly sensitive information in accordance with security requirements.
• The ability to work from an ASA office location due to the ICT requirements of the role.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 23 July, 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/04675/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=5ABE534C-26EF-7728-3C08-E403201F15A7.