Join BAE Systems in Adelaide, SA as a Manufacturing Engineer – Build Strategy on a full-time basis with hybrid and flexible working arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across production operations for the AUKUS Program, driving safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing outcomes while supporting the introduction of new technologies and manufacturing readiness. Candidates must be Australian citizens eligible for an NV1 Defence Security Clearance.
Requirements
Required: Engineering degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
Required: Proven experience in a Production, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering role within a highly regulated and complex environment.
Required: Ability to hold and maintain an NV1 Defence Security Clearance and meet ITAR requirements.
Preferred: Experience in Nuclear, Defence, or Aerospace environments.
Preferred: Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualifications.
Skills & Responsibilities
Manufacturing processes: Oversee manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with engineering, quality, and safety standards while providing Design for Manufacture (DFM) expertise.
Continuous improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead root cause investigations with corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues.
Technical leadership: Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to Production Engineers and wider production teams.
Stakeholder engagement: Act as the key interface between Production, Design Engineering, and other technical disciplines to deliver outcomes safely, on time, and within budget.
Potential transition routes: People from industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, or mechanical engineering roles may bring strong technical documentation and process optimization skills, alongside meeting mandatory degree and security clearance requirements.
Job description
Manufacturing Engineer – Build Strategy
Job Location: Flinders St Adelaide SA. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, such as, flexibility and 9-day fortnight.
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:
Reporting to the Manufacturing Engineering Delivery Manager supporting the AUKUS Program, you’ll provide technical leadership across production operations, driving safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing outcomes. In this role, you’ll lead continuous improvement initiatives, support manufacturing readiness, and partner with production, design, and project teams to solve complex engineering challenges. You’ll play a key role in advancing manufacturing capability through innovation, process optimisation, and the introduction of new technologies, contributing to the successful delivery of this critical defence program.
Core Duties:
Lead and support Production Engineering activities across manufacturing operations.
Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to Production Engineers and wider production teams.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
Oversee manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with engineering, quality, and safety standards.
Act as the key interface between Production, Design Engineering, and other technical disciplines.
Provide Design for Manufacture (DFM) expertise and input into product and process improvements.
Conduct and manage risk assessments relating to workplace safety and product safety.
Support project delivery, bids, and business growth activities through technical advice, feasibility assessments, and cost estimates.
Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues.
Ensure configuration and change management requirements are maintained throughout production activities.
Represent Production Engineering at engineering review boards and manufacturing governance forums.
Lead production readiness reviews and support the successful introduction of new products into manufacture.
Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Provide technical support to production teams, interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver engineering outcomes safely, on time, and within budget.
Support the development and execution of Production Engineering strategies and business objectives.
Maintain accurate engineering records and ensure production modifications are captured through approved change control processes.
Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the manufacturing environment.
About You:
Engineering degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
Proven experience in a Production, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering role within a highly regulated and complex environment, with Nuclear, Defence, or Aerospace experience highly regarded.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience in Design for Manufacture (DFM), root cause analysis, and process improvement.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
Experience with risk management, engineering change control, and configuration management.
Strong problem-solving, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development experience.
Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualifications (desirable)
Ability to hold and maintain an NV1 Defence Security Clearance
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
SSN AUKUS
In early 2024, the Australian Government selected BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd to build Australia’s new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in a significant development in the AUKUS trilateral security pact between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. This program will focus on developing advanced submarine capabilities, integrating cutting-edge technology, and fostering international cooperation among Australia, the UK, and the US
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 support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.
We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
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.
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
