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 will be procuring Virginia Class Submarines (VCS) as part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 optimum pathway. As the Director VCS Digital Definition, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Australia has the digital tools, systems, and processes needed to manage and maintain these submarines with confidence and independence. Your role is to drive the development of digital solutions that support Australia’s sovereign technical authority over its Virginia Class Submarines. This includes the Authoritative Source of Truth (ASoT)—a comprehensive, configuration-managed, shared and trusted reference of accurate through-life technical knowledge for each submarine.

You will work closely with Australian stakeholders and international partners, particularly within the AUKUS framework, to align digital systems and ensure seamless access to critical technical data. You will also guide the transition from traditional engineering documentation to a modern, model-based systems engineering environment, helping Australia stay at the forefront of global defence technology.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and implementation of digital systems that support submarine lifecycle management.
• Champion digital engineering practices across the organisation and with external partners.
• Oversee the integration of Australian and US digital platforms to ensure technical data is accessible, secure, and fit for purpose.
• Manage a team of skilled professionals and contractors, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Contribute to policy development, stakeholder education, and the evolution of ASA’s digital strategy.
• Support the development of digital twins, technical modelling, and knowledge management systems.

This is a high-impact leadership role that blends strategic thinking, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement. You will be helping to shape how Australia technically assures and sustains one of its most advanced defence capabilities—through smart, secure, and future-ready digital solutions.

About our Team

The Digital Engineering branch works within the Australian Submarine Agency to design, deliver, sustain, and evolve the digital systems and data sharing to enable effective and efficient enduring sovereign technical control of our nuclear-powered submarines. Our team is responsible for the development and sustainment of a wide range of digital capabilities, including digital engineering environments, specialised software tools and advanced digital and modelling capabilities.

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.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organisation 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.

Our ideal candidates will bring the following attributes and skills to the role:

• Proven experience in leading the design and implementation of digital systems or platforms that support technical lifecycle management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• A track record of managing teams and projects in high-stakes environments, including planning, resourcing, and risk management.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, digital modelling, and data governance frameworks.
• Have experience leading digital or engineering projects, especially those involving software, data systems and technical documentation.
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into practical digital solutions that meet operational needs.
• A level of comfort navigating ambiguity and driving progress in new and evolving areas.

Experience in naval engineering, systems engineering, or digital transformation is highly desirable —but we’re open to candidates from a range of backgrounds who bring the right mindset and leadership skills.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 30 October 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/08127/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=948F11A9-5BC8-A9E3-D3B8-E44B8BDDC788