About the OpportunityShape the future of maritime technology while working in a collaborative, inclusive and supportive R&D environment.At Austal, our R&D team develops technologies that matter, and deliver value to our customers. As a Senior R&D Engineer, you’ll play a key role in projects of national significance, while being supported to grow your own technical influence and leadership capabilities. You’ll join a forward-thinking team that values diverse perspectives, open dialogue, flexibility, and mutual support. We understand that true innovation happens because people feel empowered to contribute. About AustalAustal 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 spanning 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. This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now. Learn more at austal.com/ssa  What’s Involved Delivery of a portfolio of R&D projectsDeliver a portfolio of R&D projects across defence and commercial maritime, balancing risk and value.Lead the development of a range of technologies to support Austal’s maritime autonomy programCollaborate closely with internal teams and external research and industry partnersGuide projects and technology development through a structured development pathway and provide a smooth transition into the broader business.Assist with the building of Austal’s technology profile through networking, relationship building and active participation in relevant programs.Identify and evaluate external technology providers and solutions that may represent complementary technologies or capabilities.Contribute to a team culture that promotes collaboration, continuous learning and inclusion, ensuring all team members feel empowered to contribute and grow. You’ll Need We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement listed below. If you are excited by the opportunity and believe you bring relevant or transferable skills, we encourage you to apply.Core ExperienceA relevant engineering or technical degree (Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, etc).Experience delivering complex R&D or engineering projects.Ability to think laterally, analyse problems, and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.Experience working within Defence or within Defence Industry.Hold a Construction safety induction (white card)Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance and familiarity with ITAR regulations (desirable).Desirable ExperienceMaritime or defence systems exposure.Data analytics and data science methods.Technical leadership and management.Commercial or financial awareness.How we support youFlexible working arrangements where operationally possible.Support for professional memberships, networking and industry engagement, including organisations that promote diversity within defence and engineering.Access to mentoring and career development pathways to support long-term progression.A respectful, inclusive workplace where different perspectives are encouragedCompetitive compensation and benefits package.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.Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia AUD Henderson 6166

Senior Engineer - Research & Development

About the Opportunity

Shape the future of maritime technology while working in a collaborative, inclusive and supportive R&D environment.

At Austal, our R&D team develops technologies that matter, and deliver value to our customers. As a Senior R&D Engineer, you’ll play a key role in projects of national significance, while being supported to grow your own technical influence and leadership capabilities.

You’ll join a forward-thinking team that values diverse perspectives, open dialogue, flexibility, and mutual support. We understand that true innovation happens because people feel empowered to contribute.

 

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 spanning 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.

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now. Learn more at austal.com/ssa

 

What’s Involved 

Delivery of a portfolio of R&D projects

  • Deliver a portfolio of R&D projects across defence and commercial maritime, balancing risk and value.
  • Lead the development of a range of technologies to support Austal’s maritime autonomy program
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams and external research and industry partners
  • Guide projects and technology development through a structured development pathway and provide a smooth transition into the broader business.
  • Assist with the building of Austal’s technology profile through networking, relationship building and active participation in relevant programs.
  • Identify and evaluate external technology providers and solutions that may represent complementary technologies or capabilities.
  • Contribute to a team culture that promotes collaboration, continuous learning and inclusion, ensuring all team members feel empowered to contribute and grow.

 

You’ll Need 

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement listed below. If you are excited by the opportunity and believe you bring relevant or transferable skills, we encourage you to apply.

Core Experience

  • A relevant engineering or technical degree (Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, etc).
  • Experience delivering complex R&D or engineering projects.
  • Ability to think laterally, analyse problems, and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience working within Defence or within Defence Industry.
  • Hold a Construction safety induction (white card)
  • Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance and familiarity with ITAR regulations (desirable).

Desirable Experience

  • Maritime or defence systems exposure.
  • Data analytics and data science methods.
  • Technical leadership and management.
  • Commercial or financial awareness.

How we support you

  • Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
  • Support for professional memberships, networking and industry engagement, including organisations that promote diversity within defence and engineering.
  • Access to mentoring and career development pathways to support long-term progression.
  • A respectful, inclusive workplace where different perspectives are encouraged
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.

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.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia

  • Posted Date 04 Mar 2026
  • Location Henderson
    WA / Australia
  • Industry Engineering
  • Job Type Full Time
  • Salary Not provided