Inside ASC: Your 60-Second Path to a Rewarding Australian Government Career ⚓
Ever wondered what it really takes to work at the Australia’s Submarine Company (ASC), Australia’s premier submarine sustainment and shipbuilding powerhouse? We’ve reviewed their Annual Report and condensed the need-to-know facts into this lightning-fast overview. Whether you’re aiming for a hands-on trade role or a leadership position, this article will give you the inside track on ASC’s operations, finances, and the qualifications that matter. Ready to set sail on a promising government career?
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: ASC (Australia’s Submarine Company)
Location: Nationwide (Headquartered in Osborne, SA; major presence in Henderson, WA)
CEO: Stuart Whiley
Total Revenue: ~AUD 843.5 million (Annual Report 2024)
Total Number of Employees: ~2,400 (including permanent and contracted staff)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics): Ideal for submarine maintenance and design work.
Bachelor of Project Management or Business Administration: Perfect for coordinating large-scale defense projects.
Diploma or Cert IV in Maritime Operations or Naval Engineering: Builds a foundational understanding of submarine systems.
Bachelor/Master of IT or Computer Science: Essential for digital transformation in submarine tech and operations.
Bachelor of Science (Physics) or Master of Nuclear Science: Highly valued for advanced propulsion and nuclear-readiness roles.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP): Demonstrates solid project leadership skills.
Certificate IV in Engineering / Fabrication: Critical for fabrication, assembly, and structural upkeep.
Cert III/IV in Electronics & Communications: Enables work on sophisticated communication systems.
Welding Certification (AS 1796 or equivalent): Vital for high-integrity welding in submarine hulls.
Electrical Fitter Certification: Key for maintaining and troubleshooting electrical components at sea and ashore.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Mechanical Fitters – Overhaul and assemble submarine parts.
Welders / Boilermakers – Manage hull integrity and structure.
Electricians – Maintain submarine power systems.
Logistics / Supply Chain Specialists – Ensure timely parts and materials flow.
Technical Project Officers – Coordinate tasks to meet critical deadlines.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Problem-Solving – Critical for submarine sustainment and complex issue resolution.
Team Collaboration – Essential in multi-disciplinary defense environments.
Safety Awareness – Non-negotiable in all submarine operations.
Technical Writing – Keeping records and documentation precise.
Leadership & Decision-Making – Driving projects and teams to success.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Defence / Maritime Engineering – Direct background in naval systems.
Heavy Industry or Mining – Familiarity with large mechanical and electrical frameworks.
Shipbuilding / Dockyards – Practical insights into vessel construction and docking.
Industrial Project Coordination – Handling complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
Maintenance & Asset Management – Managing critical infrastructure reliability.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: ASC (Australia’s Submarine Company)
Name of CEO: Stuart Whiley
Location: Australia-wide (primarily SA and WA)
Year Founded: 1985
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
Building and sustaining Australia’s submarine fleet to protect national interests.
Real-world example: Keeping Collins Class Submarines fully operational for maritime defense.
Main Duties of the Department:
Submarine maintenance, repairs, system integrations, engineering upgrades, and advanced training.
Real-world example: Managing scheduled Full-Cycle Dockings (FCDs) to ensure submarines remain capable and safe.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Sustainment of Collins Class Submarines
Transitioning into nuclear readiness for upcoming submarine programs
Development of sovereign submarine build capacity in partnership with global defense stakeholders
Did you know?
ASC was selected as Australia’s Sole Submarine Sustainer for the new nuclear-powered submarine program, making them a critical component of the nation’s future defense!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~2,400
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Entry-Level / Apprentices
Mid-Level / Skilled Professionals
Senior / Specialist Roles
Executive / Managerial
Salary Bands:
Apprentices / Early Career Roles: ~AUD 50,000–70,000
Skilled Trades / Professional Roles: ~AUD 70,000–120,000
Senior Engineers / Managers: ~AUD 120,000–180,000+
Executives: AUD 200,000+
Average Salary in the Department: Mid-AUD 100,000s (role-dependent)
Total Revenue: AUD 843.5 million
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 351,458 (AUD 843.5 million / ~2,400 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT ASC
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Cert III/IV in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Fabrication)
Diploma in Project Management
Diploma of Logistics
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Mechatronics)
Bachelor of IT or Computer Science
Master of Business Administration or Project Management
PhDs:
PhD in Engineering or Applied Physics (especially for submarine technology)
PhD in Data Analytics / AI (advanced defense innovation)
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Boilermakers, Mechanical Fitters, Electricians, Logistics Coordinators, Production Controllers
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Exposure to large-scale engineering, maritime environments, defense manufacturing, project management
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Safety Focus, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management
Technical Skills: CAD/CAE tools, Welding, High-Voltage Systems, Automation
General Skills: Project Coordination, Contract Admin, Quality Assurance, Tech Writing
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Model shipbuilding, robotics clubs, electronics tinkering, coding, maritime or defense tech research
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: 694 Mersey Road North, Osborne SA 5017
Telephone: +61 8 8348 7000
Email: info@asc.com.au
Website: https://www.asc.com.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.