Unlocking the Secrets of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA): Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the newly formed Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their Annual Report (2023–24) so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this agency, from key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or just starting your career journey, this guide will help you navigate your path to a rewarding government role in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, operating Australia-wide
CEO: Director-General Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO RAN
Total Revenue: Approx. AUD 235 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 544 APS staff as at 30 June 2024
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Naval Architecture – Crucial for designing submarine hulls and components.
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering – Powers systems design, propulsion, and maintenance strategies.
Project Management – Essential for overseeing large-scale acquisitions, budgets, and timelines.
Computer Science / IT – Supports cybersecurity, communications, and advanced tech integration.
Finance / Accounting – Enables strong financial oversight and cost control in multi-billion-dollar defence projects.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
PRINCE2 or PMBOK (Project Management) – Demonstrates the ability to manage highly complex submarine projects.
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) – Highlights technical and engineering excellence.
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) – Enhances financial governance and strategic auditing.
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) – Streamlines IT service management for secure naval operations.
Cert IV in Work Health and Safety – Critical for ensuring the agency’s stringent safety requirements are met.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Fitter and Turner – Invaluable for precision machining and submarine maintenance tasks.
Welders / Boilermakers – Core to submarine construction and upkeep.
Electricians – Essential for installing and testing complex electrical and mechanical systems.
ICT Specialists – Keep high-tech defence systems secure and operational.
Mechanical Technicians – Perform hands-on troubleshooting and testing of submarine equipment.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Collaboration & Teamwork – Large-scale defence projects rely on a unified, cross-disciplinary approach.
Complex Problem-Solving – Necessary when diagnosing issues in sophisticated naval propulsion systems.
Analytical Thinking – Powers data analysis to guide pivotal decisions.
Adaptability – Key for meeting evolving defence and tech needs.
Communication – Crucial for bridging engineering, policy, and procurement teams.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Defence or Naval Background – Direct familiarity with military frameworks and responsibilities.
Project Delivery in Large-Scale Infrastructures – Signifies readiness to handle multiple stakeholders and tight timelines.
Operations or Maintenance in Heavy Industry – Transfers neatly to submarine build and sustainment activities.
Public Sector Policy / Procurement – Strengthens alignment with government compliance and processes.
Systems Engineering – Provides a holistic viewpoint of entire submarine platforms and life-cycle management.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Submarine Agency
Name of CEO: Director-General Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO RAN
Location: Australia-wide (Headquarters in Canberra), with strong presence at Osborne (SA) and HMAS Stirling (WA)
Year Founded: 2023
Main Mission and Purpose:
Mission: To safely and securely acquire, construct, deliver, technically govern, sustain, and dispose of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.
Real-World Example: By delivering major submarine projects under the trilateral AUKUS partnership, the ASA helps reinforce Australia’s security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Main Duties of the Department:
Duties: Overseeing infrastructure upgrades, workforce training, contractual agreements, nuclear regulatory adherence, and stakeholder engagements.
Real-World Example: The ASA’s leadership in submarine maintenance at Osborne ensures vessels are mission-ready, safeguarding Australia’s maritime interests.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Purchasing at least three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s.
Launching the SSN-AUKUS production line in Adelaide, SA, later this decade.
Facilitating Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling, introducing US and UK submarine visits and joint training.
Did You Know?
The ASA is the nation’s first dedicated agency responsible for conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines—reflecting a major leap in Australia’s naval capabilities.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 544 APS staff as at 30 June 2024, plus Australian Defence Force members on placement
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranges from APS 1 to SES; many roles in engineering, project management, and corporate services
Salary Bands: Approximately $50,000 – $300,000+ per year, depending on classification and seniority
Average Salary in the Department: Around $90,000 – $120,000 at mid-level APS/EL positions
Total Revenue: ~AUD 235 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: About $432,000 (AUD 235 million ÷ 544 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT THE AUSTRALIAN SUBMARINE AGENCY
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Engineering Trades – Ideal for roles in submarine outfitting and fabrication.
Diploma of Project Management – For schedule oversight, risk, and reporting.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics) – Core for design, integration, and testing.
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science, Cybersecurity) – Vital for digital systems and secure communications.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Offers leadership and strategic planning competencies in a defence context.
PhDs:
Nuclear Engineering – Highly relevant for supporting reactor safety, design, and research.
Advanced Materials Science – Shapes future breakthroughs in hull integrity and performance.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Trades: Mechanical fitters, boilermakers, electricians, instrumentation technicians, and other trade specialties for submarine manufacturing and maintenance.
Professions: Engineers, procurement officers, finance managers, ICT security specialists, and systems logisticians.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Experience in submarine sustainment, large-scale engineering projects, or direct defence roles demonstrates immediate, transferable knowledge.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft Skills: Collaboration, communication, adaptability, strategic thinking.
Technical Skills: Systems engineering, nuclear compliance, advanced welding, project scheduling.
General Skills: Risk management, contract negotiation, continuous improvement, quality assurance.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
STEM Clubs or Robotics Teams – Showcases passion for innovation and problem-solving.
Maritime Enthusiasm (Sailing, Marine Conservation) – Demonstrates genuine interest in naval environments.
Hands-on DIY Projects – Highlights mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT? 📞
Contact the Australian Submarine Agency:
Address: Brindabella Business Park, Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: 1300 333 362
Email: asa.performance@defence.gov.au
Website: https://www.asa.gov.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.