Test & Inspection Engineer

About the Opportunity

Austal Defence Australia is seeking a  Test & Inspection Engineer to support vessel inspection, testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities throughout the build and delivery lifecycle. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, witnessing, and documenting physical vessel inspections, dock trials, harbour acceptance trials, and sea trials to ensure vessels meet contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements prior to customer acceptance.

About Austal

Austal isAustralia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Coordinate vessel inspection, testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities in accordance with assigned scopes of work
• Support vessel Validation and Verification activities, ensuring physical inspections, trials, and acceptance deliverables are completed and documented.
• Coordinate and witness harbour trials, dockside testing, system commissioning, and sea trial activities, including readiness reviews, scheduling, and execution support.
• Monitor vessel test readiness, ensuring systems, equipment, documentation, and personnel are prepared for inspection and trial activities.
• Manage acceptance observations, defects, punch list items, and non-conformances through tracking, rectification, verification, and closeout.
• Support pre-delivery maintenance and inspection programs as required.
• Coordinate Integrated Product Support validation activities, including maintainability, operability, and documentation reviews.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, test reports, defect registers, trial documentation, and acceptance evidence.
• Liaise with Production, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Classification Societies, subcontractors, customer representatives, and regulatory authorities.
• Provide regular progress updates and reporting on inspection, testing, commissioning, and acceptance milestones.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to vessel inspection, commissioning, testing, and acceptance processes.

You’ll Need

• Diploma, Trade Qualification, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Marine, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in shipbuilding, vessel commissioning, marine maintenance, defence projects, marine surveying, quality assurance, inspection, testing, or operational maritime environments.
• Practical experience conducting, witnessing, coordinating, or supporting vessel inspections, system testing, commissioning activities, sea trials, or acceptance programs.
• Strong understanding of marine systems, vessel construction, testing methodologies, quality processes, and defect management.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, inspection test plans (ITPs), commissioning procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Strong coordination and scheduling skills across multiple testing and inspection activities.
• Excellent attention to detail, record keeping, and technical reporting capability.
• Ability to effectively engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders in a complex shipbuilding environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia