Production Design Lead

Saab Australia; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks paid leave

14% superannuation

Income Protection Insurance

Flexible working options

Saab shares matching scheme

MySaab discounts

Job summary

Saab Australia is seeking a Production Design Lead to steer a dedicated design support team across the DDG program. You will act as the main interface between Production and Design, triaging issues, monitoring PIRs and guiding ECPs to keep construction on track.

Applicants should be engineers with leadership experience in complex shipbuilding or defence programs, and be eligible for NV1 level security clearance. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering in a relevant discipline recognised by Eng Australia.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience in production, integration or sustainment phases.
• Defence/ Naval shipbuilding or heavy industry experience desirable.
• Australian citizen with ability to obtain NV1 security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the DDG Production Design Support Team.
• Serve as the primary engineering interface between Production and Design.
• Triage, assign and resolve production issues and deviations.
• Monitor PIRs and drive design-related changes.
• Manage design support priorities with production schedules.
• Escalate technical risks and production impacts to leadership forums.
• Support ECP implementation and maintain design integrity.
• Maintain configuration control and strong shipyard relationships.
• Facilitate rapid engineering decisions to minimise construction delays.

Skills

Leadership

Production design

Shipbuilding

Engineering interface

Configuration management

Education

Bachelor of Engineering

Job description

The opportunity

Saab Australia is an industry participant in the Combat Systems Integration – Integrated Project Team (CSI-IPT). The CSI-IPT forms a collaborative enterprise organisation to execute scopes of work across Hobart Class Destroyer (SEA4000 Phase 6 and other related Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) upgrades) and the Hunter Class Frigates (HCFs - SEA5000 Phase 1).

The role

As part of the DDG Design Team, the Production Design Lead will be responsible for leading and coordinating a dedicated Production Design Support Team that provides engineering design support to shipyard production activities across the DDG Program. The Production Design Lead works closely with Production, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Integrated Logistics Support, and external design authorities to facilitate effective technical decision-making and support successful ship construction and sustainment outcomes.

• Lead and manage the DDG Production Design Support Team.
• Serve as the primary engineering interface between Production and Design.
• Lead the triage, assignment and resolution of production-issues, deviations, non-conformances and defect investigations.
• Monitor, report, and drive changes related to Problem Identification Reports (PIRs)
• Manage design support priorities in alignment with production schedules and milestones.
• Escalate technical risks, design constraints and production impacts to appropriate engineering and program leadership forums.
• Support implementation of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and design modifications.
• Ensure configuration control and design integrity are maintained throughout production activities.
• Establish strong working relationships with shipyard personnel, engineers, subcontractors, and customer representatives.
• Facilitate rapid engineering decision-making to minimise impact on ship construction, integration, test and commissioning activities.

Flexible work arrangements such as hybrid work from home / office and a 9-day fortnight will be considered for this role.

About You

• Bachelor of Engineering (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline as recognised by Eng Aust as Professional Engineer.
• Proven experience supporting complex engineering or shipbuilding programs through production, integration, or sustainment phases.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams or technical support functions.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with production, manufacturing, construction, or shipyard environments.
• Experience coordinating technical responses to production issues, non-conformances, and design changes.
• Experience working within a configuration-controlled engineering environment.
• Defence, Naval Shipbuilding, Maritime, or Heavy Industry experience highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and team management capability.
• Ability to balance engineering rigour with production schedule requirements.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and urgent production demands.
• Strong understanding of design governance and configuration management principles.

Applicants must be Australian citizens and hold or be able to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance to NV1 level. Information including past and present nationality and citizenship may be requested to check eligibility for access to materials controlled under various export control regimes, including ITAR.

About Us

Saab Australia is a defence, security and cyber solutions provider, specialising in the development and integration of major defence and security systems. For over 35 years in Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering complex systems integration projects that provide proven and advanced capabilities to keep us ahead of today’s challenges.

From combat, communications, security and underwater systems, to mixed reality, cyber security and deployable health solutions, our extensive portfolio of products and services provide high-technology solutions for defence forces and civil industries across the globe.

What You Will Be Part Of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.

Culture And Benefits

We employ over 1000 Australians and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and enriching the employee experience.

By joining Saab, you’ll be a part of a collaborative and supportive organisation, where your professional growth and work‑life balance are emphasised. You’ll work within an innovative and vibrant workplace, while having the opportunity to develop a long‑term, fulfilling career.

As a valued team member of Saab Australia, you’ll access a variety of perks and benefits to support you and your family including:

• 6 weeks paid leave each year
• 14% superannuation
• Free Income Protection Insurance
• Flexible working options
• Access to the Saab shares matching scheme
• Access to MySaab - our online store offering everything from cash back at hundreds of stores to discounts from exclusive partners

For further information about a career at Saab, visit the page adjacent: https://www.saab.com/markets/australia/careers/saab-life

By submitting an application to Saab, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities including, but not limited to, reference checks, Australian Federal Police check, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening and a pre-employment medical declaration.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Saab Australia is a nationally recognised Veteran Employer of Choice that welcomes the interest of ex-service members, veterans and their families.