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 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 Australian Submarine Agency’s (ASA) Policy, Strategy and Engagement Division is responsible for developing and driving the policy and strategy framework for the ASA. This includes overseeing, managing and leading the implementation of key aspects of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership and nuclear-powered submarine program, in accordance with the Optimal Pathway. This includes, but is not limited to, developing advice around the Government’s strategic messaging on the program, developing and implementing fit-for-purpose nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards arrangements, managing international engagement, developing policy frameworks to support Submarine Rotational Force - West, and negotiating international arrangements with our AUKUS trilateral partners. Depending on the role, there may be opportunities for domestic and international travel.

About our Team

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. We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities. The Policy, Strategy and Engagement Division is responsible for leadership of the policy and strategy framework for the Agency, which will implement key aspects of the trilateral strategic partnership and program in accordance with the Optimal Pathway.

Strategic Engagement and Policy Branch, The Strategic Engagement and Policy Branch is responsible for strategic messaging and engagement with domestic, trilateral and other international partners. The team also develops strategic international policy advice aligned to Australia’s sovereign strategic priorities for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program. Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Branch, The Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Branch is responsible for developing policy advice on safeguards and non-proliferation issues, and supports the implementation of a safeguards approach. Our work is fast-paced and covers a broad range of subject matters. The work combines strategic, policy, legal and technical issues.

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.

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

• We are a dynamic organisation seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by fast-paced work.
• We are seeking highly motivated and collaboratively minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a multi-decadal program.

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

• Commitment to collaboration and teamwork, including assisting others adapt to a changing environment.
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn, with demonstrated analytical and communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated understanding of Australia’s national security environment, and ability to apply these skills in a sensitive environment.
• Sound judgement, initiative, and an ability to work in ambiguous environments, as well as a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities.
• Capable of undertaking sensitive, dynamic work and have experience in distilling information and thinking strategically in the conduct of policy development.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to identify, anticipate, and respond to diverse stakeholders in the management of complex issues.
• We are looking for motivated and responsive people to come and join this exciting undertaking.

You will have the opportunity to shape work with Defence, other agencies, industry, Australian Government regulators, state and territory agencies and international partners.

Application Closing Date: Monday 10 November 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/07792/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=51FC86B9-9CD6-13E3-8D42-E44D2DE8BD0E