System Safety Lead

Austal; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal is seeking a System Safety Lead based in Henderson, WA to drive the application of System Safety Engineering methods across major Defence shipbuilding programs and the broader business. You will lead safety assurance activities, manage critical deliverables, and foster a culture of safety excellence throughout the project lifecycle.

Reporting to the LCH Systems Engineering Lead, you will coordinate with customers, suppliers and internal teams, ensuring compliance with MIL-STD-882E.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation or the ability to achieve it through Engineers Australia.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Defence System Safety programs or a related specialist field.
• Demonstrated experience applying MIL-STD-882E or equivalent System Safety frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and application of System Safety methodologies across Defence programs.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve safety processes, procedures, and workflows.
• Act as primary point of contact for customer, classification society, and subcontractor engagement relating to system safety.
• Lead and facilitate System Safety Forums, workshops, and stakeholder reviews.
• Prepare and manage key safety deliverables: System Safety Program Plans, Hazard Logs, Hazard Analysis Reports, and Safety Case Reports.
• Identify, manage, and report safety risks to key stakeholders and support project milestones.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

CPEng accreditation eligible/required

Job description

Based in Henderson, WA, the System Safety Lead is responsible for implementing and executing System Safety Engineering methodologies across major Defence shipbuilding programs and the wider business. Reporting to the LCH Systems Engineering Lead, you will lead safety assurance activities, engage with key stakeholders, manage critical safety deliverables, and drive a culture of safety excellence throughout the project lifecycle. This role is a key safety engineering role utilising the MIL-STD-882E standards. This is not a role that assesses site safety risk assessments.

About Austal

Austal is Australia'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.

With operations across multiple sites, Austal offers diverse career opportunities in trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate functions, and operational delivery.

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.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia

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

What's Involved

• Lead the implementation and application of System Safety Engineering methodologies across Defence programs.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve safety processes, procedures, and workflows.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer, classification society, and subcontractor engagement relating to system safety.
• Lead and facilitate System Safety Forums, workshops, and stakeholder reviews.
• Prepare and manage key safety deliverables, including System Safety Program Plans, Hazard Logs, Hazard Analysis Reports, and Safety Case Reports.
• Identify, manage, and report engineering and project safety risks to key stakeholders.
• Support emerging projects and business initiatives by championing safety best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote a proactive system safety culture across the organisation.

You'll Need

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), or the ability to achieve CPEng accreditation through Engineers Australia.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Defence System Safety programs or a related specialist field.
• Demonstrated experience applying MIL-STD-882E or equivalent System Safety frameworks.
• Strong understanding of Defence acquisition and/or sustainment environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk management skills.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Baseline Security Clearance.

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.
• The opportunity to contribute to Australia's sovereign naval shipbuilding capability.

At Austal, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity enhances our operations and, as such, we actively encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, and those living with disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Learn More

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