Weld Capability Lead

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice, designing, constructing, and supporting defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators. The company operates in Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. Austal Australia is delivering multiple naval shipbuilding and sustainment programs for the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Border Force, and the Department of Defence, employing approximately 1,000 people in facilities in located Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. About The Opportunity Austal and the Commonwealth of Australia are currently negotiating a landmark Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) that will support the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise and the delivery of multiple new defence force shipbuilding projects, such as Landing Craft-Medium and Landing Craft-Heavy for the Australian Army. Once signed, the SSA will drive significant growth across our industry and workforce, as we deliver both existing and new programs under a long-term partnership. It will also enable the design and construction of vessels at our Henderson shipyard and marks a major step forward in establishing enduring shipbuilding capability within the Henderson Defence Precinct and across Western Australia. As the Welding Capability Lead the position is responsible for delivering the Welding Capability Management plan for Austal Defence Australia. The role ensures that the welding activities of Austal Defence Suppliers meet contracted quality standards across current and future builds delivered under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA). The role requires a proactive approach to weld assurance activities that supports our Suppliers, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks to welding processes. As a Weld Capability Lead you will be expected to provide Subject Matter Expert guidance on best practice weld management, including identifying appropriate and sustainable corrective actions to resolve the root cause of weld defects. What’s Involved Working within an integrated team to support the development of Austal Defence’s welding capability. Conducting Audits of, and overseeing, efficient subcontractor welding operations aligned to Program Quality plans. Maintaining and managing welding process documentation, ensuring accessibility within the Austal Defence BADMS system. Ensuring welding activities conducted by ADA Suppliers comply with industry standards, codes, and project-specific requirements, including evaluation of NDT performance. Recommending systems for tracking welder contributions to tasks, enabling effective defect isolation and quality control Providing regular reports to senior management on welding progress and quality performance Developing and implementing weld mapping systems aligned with dimensional control standards Conducting assurance audits, managing non-conformances, and monitoring subcontractor compliance with welding procedures. Training QA team members on weld control procedures and promoting continuous improvement across welding operations. You’ll Need Diploma or higher qualification in Welding Engineering, Non-Destructive Testing or a related Engineering Qualification. Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a lead role in a welding operation Detailed knowledge of welding techniques, materials and equipment including methods for weld inspection and testing in support of efficient operations In-depth understanding of industry standards and codes Proficiency in welding software and tools Strong analytical and problem solving skills Internal auditor training (nationally accredited) Why Austal Defence Competitive compensation and benefits package. Professional development and training opportunities. A supportive and dynamic work environment. Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation. Austal is 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr