MECHANICAL ENGINEER 4/AUSTRALIA

Job Description

Researches, plans, designs and develops mechanical products and systems such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.

This position is an assignment in Adelaide, Australia.  Beginning in March 2027, the initial contract period is two years, with the possibility of annual renewals thereafter.

The Engineer will work collaboratively with the AUKUS In-Country Qualification Team (ICQT) supporting NNS to increase the capability, capacity, and resilience of the Trilateral Supplier Industrial Base (TSIB) to meet the increasing VIRGINIA Class Submarine (VCS) and SSN AUKUS Submarine production pace in the coming decades.

An embedded US team will allow for rapid knowledge sharing, effective reach back actions and a collaborative supplier assessment and development program. The goal of these pilot programs is to begin qualifying vendors in time to support the expected construction on VCS submarines and USS AUKUS. The US Naval nuclear shipbuilders, Electric Boat, and Newport News Shipbuilding, are uniquely positioned to collaborate with the Australian (AUS) submarine enterprise to immediately begin the process of identifying, developing and qualifying Australian Suppliers using VCS products and procedures.

Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Help to identify US SIB gaps and the path to meet the projected demand.
• Help evaluate the AUS supply chain and its potential to close those gaps as well as meet the projected demand.
• Support a phased pilot manufacturing program with AUS suppliers to begin qualification of the AUS supply chain for VCS sustainment and AUKUS construction.
• Provide technical support to increase efficiency and expedite qualification timelines in the US supply base.
• Perform assessments to gauge a potential supplier's ability to meet Technical and Quality Management System requirements.
• Help drive the development of a detailed end-to-end process for qualifying new suppliers.
• Perform face-to-face communication and onsite supplier visits for events which may include such things as Supplier Technical Assessments (STAs), hold point inspections, test witnessing, and final product inspections.
• Analyze and document the capabilities and challenges of the potential suppliers.
• Help develop the roadmap for full qualification of suppliers.
• Work directly with suppliers to assist in qualification efforts of each wave of pilots from purchase order placement through delivery of parts.
• Conduct regular supplier visits to status POAM progress.

Must Have

Bachelor's Degree and 9 years of relevant exempt experience; 
Master’s Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience; 
Ph.D. and 4 years of experience.

Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the development/manufacturing of the Virginia Class Submarine (VCS).
• Working experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably including Quality Management System (e.g. ISO 9001).
• Familiarity with Supplier Quality roles and responsibilities within the Supply Chain material value stream.
• Certification as a (Supplier) Quality Auditor.
• Proven ability to plan, lead, conduct, and document Supplier Quality Audits.
• Working knowledge of Military Standards & Specifications.
• Experience reviewing/approving suppliers’ competencies versus procurement requirements.
• Experience in professional verbal and written communication with high-level officers of the Military, Government, Suppliers, and other organizations.
• Proficiency in providing written technical correspondence and assessments, including recommended actions.