Senior QA Advisor - Cairns
About the Opportunity
Based in Cairns, the Senior Quality Assurance Advisor will be responsible for the In-Service Support (ISS) business unit. The role provides expert quality assurance leadership across high-value Commonwealth ISS contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organisational quality requirements.
Reporting through to the Senior Quality Manager within the HSEQ Department, this position supports the effective delivery of work conducted at sites in Cairns, Perth, Darwin, and Brisbane.
This role supports continuous improvement in Quality by strengthening management systems, assurance processes and audit readiness. You will work closely with leaders and operational teams to embed quality principles into everyday activities, analyse performance trends, and ensure effective investigation and closeâout of issues. The role also provides coaching and assurance to help build capability, accountability and a culture of continuous improvement aligned to business objectives.
The Company expects you to manage your time effectively to meet business requirements. You are also expected to conduct yourself in a manner that aligns with our core values and policies.
In addition to the key responsibilities outlined below, you will be required to complete any other tasks or duties as reasonably requested by your manager, delegate, or a member of the Austal management team.
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.
Learn more at austal.com/ssa
This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.
What’s Involved
- Quality Management and Assurance
- Implement, monitor, and continuously improve ISS Quality Management Systems (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 and Client requirements
- Point of contact for external audits across the ISS business unit
- Conduct quality audits to verify compliance with contractual and ISO 9001 requirements, in accordance with Austal's audit schedule.
- Maintain and monitor the business systems used for documenting non-conformance.
- Lead root cause analysis efforts for quality incidents and develop correct and preventative action plans.
- Maintain and manage current procedures and quality documentation to support business operation and contractual requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Advice
- Act as a trusted quality advisor to Operations and Sustainment Managers
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address and resolve quality-related issues
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure their adherence to quality standards
- Provide guidance and mentorship to quality assurance resources for the business unit, supporting their growth and development
You’ll Need
- Qualifications in Quality Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline
- Lead Auditor in Quality Management Systems Bullet Point
- Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
- Proficient in root cause analysis methods
- Good communication skills in both written and spoken format
- Conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation skills
- Proficient with using the Microsoft 365 suite of tools
- Apply ISO 9001 standard to a multi-faceted, complex operation
- Previous maritime or defence industry experience working in a Quality Assurance role
- Lean six-sigma green belt qualified
- Use of AI tools to improve day-to-day activities
- Eligibility for a Defence 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.
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
