Project and Program Cost Analyst

Australian Submarine Agency; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Submarine Agency in Canberra is seeking APS6 finance professionals to support cost estimation for the nuclear-powered submarine program. You will work within the Program Costing Directorate to deliver accurate cost data and provide informed financial analysis.

Join a high-paced, multidisciplinary team and help shape strategic decisions by developing and applying cost estimation processes across delivery, policy and commercial interfaces.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost estimation and cost assurance for major defence programs.
• Ability to develop briefs and advise on financial matters.
• Strong data analysis and modelling using diverse data sources.
• Experience with Work Breakdown Structures and project artefacts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking project cost estimation and cost assurance activities.
• Collaborate with delivery, policy, commercial teams to support objectives.
• Develop and implement cost estimation processes.
• Prepare briefs and written advice on costing issues.
• Present financial information to support strategic decisions.

Skills

Cost estimation

Financial analysis

Project costing

Stakeholder engagement

Data modelling

Tools

Excel

Cost modelling software

Job description

Australian Submarine Agency – Canberra ACT

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.

This is a unique opportunity to directly contribute to work that will impact Australia’s strategic and Defence outcomes.

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) Finance Branch supports the Chief Financial Officer, the Assistant Director General Program Costing, and the ASA through the provision of expert cost estimation services and advice to support the acquisition, sustainment and disposal of nuclear-powered submarines (NPS).

To effectively support the ASA to deliver on outcomes, we are seeking individuals who thrive in a high paced environment, can work independently and as part of a team, and have great

interpersonal skills.

As an APS 6 working within the Program Costing Directorate you will strengthen your leadership and technical skills, and be provided the opportunity to support agency and program wide decision-making through the development and implementation of cost estimation processes to support the provision of accurate and timely cost estimation information and analysis.

We are seeking to fill APS 6 vacancies responsible for:

• Undertaking project cost estimation and cost assurance activities by working closely with delivery, policy, commercial, and portfolio management functions to support NPS Program objectives.

About our Team

As part of the Australian Submarine Agency you will be working at the cutting edge of capability delivery, supported by professionalisation pathways so you can continue to develop, along with unique and varied career opportunities. 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.

The Program Cost Directorate is a blended team of APS and contracted staff and provides an opportunity to grow your skills by learning from an experienced team of cost analysts and contribute to this unique program.

Due to the nature and system requirements of the role, the successful applicants will be required to work onsite at the ASA Office in Canberra - ACT or Rockingham - WA.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organisation seeking employees who are collaborative, agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking individuals with relevant experience or transferable skills (including project management and finance) to join us and contribute to our team.

We are seeking candidates who are able to drive outcomes and have:

• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply cost estimation methods by utilising a range of data sources and modelling techniques to develop estimates for a major acquisition and sustainment activities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships, including the provision of strategic cost and financial advice, identification of cost and financial risks and opportunities, and a sound understanding of commercial cost drivers and its impact on deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and contest ideas in a collaborative manner.
• Relevant experience in providing support on costing activities using project artefacts such as Work Breakdown Structures, schedules, commercial arrangements, industry data and other tools.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of briefs and written advice which identify and provide recommendations to costing issues and new investment proposals.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting compelling, clear and accurate financial information to support strategic decision-making.
• An understanding of the Commonwealth Financial and Budgeting Frameworks and the ability to work within relevant policy, legislation, and Commonwealth process.
• The ability to work independently with reasonable autonomy and accountability for the achievement of outcomes of their work. The successful applicants will exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of relevant cost policy and the application of practices and procedures.
• A demonstrated ability to contribute to team performance by working in a collaborative manner to support Agency objectives. They will be required to contribute to the ASA and Branch outcomes, and provide support and guidance to peers.
• Willingness and drive to create a culture of continuous improvement within the ASA and self.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 18 October 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/05712/26 on

https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=B28ECEA3-A329-37D4-8986-ED504CC7FEA7