Shipbuilding Process Specialist

Austal; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development and training

Supportive and dynamic work env.

Career advancement opportunities

Safe and inclusive workplace

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) is seeking a Shipbuilding Process Specialist to document and improve shipbuilding processes supporting the SSA Program. You will translate hands-on production knowledge into clear process documentation, work instructions, and training materials, working with trades, engineers, and leaders.

Ideal candidates bring production floor experience, strong communication skills, and a drive to improve productivity, quality, and consistency across the program in Western

Qualifications

• Experience documenting and improving production or operational processes.
• Ability to translate operational knowledge into procedures and training materials.
• Strong written communication with tradespeople and engineers.
• Knowledge of QA systems and continuous improvement practices.
• Eligibility for Defence Security Clearance.
• Experience in defence, maritime or complex manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen.
• Project management or production planning experience.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and digital production systems.
• Experience engaging with cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain shipbuilding process standards and work instructions across the SSA Program.
• Capture SME knowledge into practical process docs and training materials.
• Analyse production workflows to boost productivity, quality and consistency.
• Support implementation of contemporary shipbuilding methods and practices.
• Collaborate with teams to align processes, systems and training.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen shipbuilding capability.

Skills

Process documentation

Continuous improvement

Quality assurance

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Education

Trade qualification

Engineering qualification

Other technical qualification

Tools

Lean/Six Sigma tooling

Kaizen

Digital production systems

Job description

As the Shipbuilding Process Specialist for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you'll be responsible for capturing, documenting and improving the shipbuilding processes that support the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) Program.

Drawing on your hands‑on production experience, you will work closely with tradespeople, supervisors, engineers and operational leaders to translate practical shipbuilding knowledge into clear process documentation, work instructions, training materials and best practice standards.

This role is ideal for someone who understands how shipbuilding work is performed on the production floor and can effectively communicate that knowledge to others. You'll play a key role in improving consistency, supporting workforce capability and helping establish the processes that will underpin Australia's future naval shipbuilding programs.

About Austal

Austal isAustralia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Develop and maintain shipbuilding process standards and work instructions across the SSA Program.
• Capture subject matter expertise from production teams and translate it into practical process documentation and training materials.
• Analyse production workflows and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality and consistency.
• Support the implementation of contemporary shipbuilding methods and manufacturing practices.
• Work closely with operational and support teams to align processes, systems and training requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen shipbuilding capability and performance.

You’ll Need

• Demonstrated experience developing, documenting and improving production or operational processes.
• Ability to translate practical operational knowledge into procedures, work instructions, training materials and process documentation.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with tradespeople, supervisors, engineers and business stakeholders.
• Knowledge of quality assurance systems, production methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.
• Trade qualification, engineering qualification or other relevant technical qualification.
• Experience within defence, maritime or complex manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen or related continuous improvement frameworks.
• Project management or production planning experience.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and digital production systems.
• Experience engaging with cross-functional operational and business stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Salary

Optional 9 day fortnight | Career growth