Design Assurance Engineer

Job Location:

Adelaide, SA, Melbourne CBD, VIC or Carins, QLD – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We have a great opportunity for a Design Assurance Engineer to join our Hunter Class Frigate Program, reporting to the Lead Design Assurance Engineer.

You will be responsible for the Design Assurance Engineer role and will drive design management and assurance activities within the Hunter Class Frigate Program, in line with all relevant processes and quality requirements.

This role provides a fantastic platform to collaborate with our HCFP UK engineering teams through regular meetings and interactions, as well as the opportunity to travel to our state-of-the-art shipyard at Osborne to meet and work alongside the wider team.

Core Duties:

• Plan, manage and deliver design management and assurance activities across the Hunter Class Frigate engineering program. Develop and deliver engineering process, toolset and strategy solutions to enable engineering delivery across the Whole of Ship engineering design whilst continually maintaining quality and service requirements.
• Support Design Authorities (DA) during design reviews by helping them to ensure that robust and documented design assurance processes are in place.
• Audit adherence to design management and assurance processes, including but not limited to, design maturity management, issue management, design rules and internal design reviews.
• Participate in internal design reviews to the extent necessary to be able to assure the Chief Engineer of the integrity of the processes being employed and of the satisfactory evolution of critical design features.
• Carry out peer reviews or technical audits as agreed with the Design Assurance Manager. Collaborate with subject matter experts from within the program, other programs, functions or business units as required to assist in such reviews and audits.
• Support the Chief Engineer and Design Authorities in providing design management and assurance evidence to support Certificates of Design.
• Carry out lessons learned reviews and contribute to the appropriate sections of lessons learned databases.
• Demonstrate leadership and vision in development and delivery of design management and assurance strategies to achieve the engineering program’s aims and objectives.
• The Design Assurance Engineer will report into the Lead Design Assurance Engineer and there may be opportunity to lead (as direct report into the role) and mentor graduate engineer(s) within the team on an opportunity basis.

About YOU:

• Proven experience in a similar engineering role (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Naval Architecture etc) is considered advantageous
• Defence and/ or Maritime experience is considered advantageous
• Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviours and work effectively within a distributed team.
• Effectively manage stakeholder relationships and demonstrate strategic thinking.
• Engineering Governance or Management experience is considered desirable
• Experience with Systems Engineering Lifecycle is considered essential
• Defence security clearance or eligibility to obtain NV1
• Eligibility to be cleared for International Traffic In Arms (ITAR) regulations

The Surface Ship

BAE Systems Australia is leading the largest ever surface ship project in Australia’s defence history – the design and build of Hunter class frigates. The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by supporting the building of a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability for our nation

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. (Remove for non-ITAR role) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information