Nuclear Graduate Program (Policy & Corporate Pathway) (Feb 2026)

The Role

Embark on a career-defining journey with the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) at a pivotal moment in Australia’s defence history. 

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines represents a monumental leap forward, not just in military capability but in technological and economic advancement. This initiative is at the heart of Australia’s future security and prosperity, offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards.

The ASA’s Policy & Corporate Graduate Program provides in-depth exposure to Australia’s submarine capability, aligned with AUKUS partnership where you will be contributing to a wide range of critical tasks. Graduates will contribute to a range of critical initiatives, developing expertise across key policy, governance, corporate and financial functions, enabling you to contribute to support Australia’s defence and national security objectives.

Unparalleled Growth Opportunities

Diverse Rotations: You will have experience and exposure to the broader Australian nuclear ecosystem and submarine operations through external rotation opportunities with one of Australia's premier nuclear agencies or our key industry partners. This is your chance to see the bigger picture, understand different facets of the nuclear ecosystem, and decide where you can make your mark. 

Who are our some of our key partners?

• Department of Defence (including Defence Science & Technology Group)
• Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
• Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
• Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA)
• Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC)
• BAE Systems Australia; and 
• Babcock

Employment Conditions: The nature of our program offers diversification in roles and experiences, which may require you to permanently and/or temporarily relocate. In these circumstances, the ASA offers a generous relocation and allowances package. 

Dependent on the nature of your role, some flexible work arrangements may be available. For more information, please refer to the ASA Enterprise Agreement.

Tailored Development: Benefit from a dedicated support team, regular development sessions, exposure and networking opportunities with national and international experts. Enhance your skills with specialised training and experiential tours, all designed to propel your career forward in this unique environment.

Career Advancement: On successful completion of the program, graduates will find themselves on a fast track to advancement setting the stage for an enduring and distinguished career. 

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organisation, seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. Are you a highly motivated and collaborative minded person seeking an opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime enduring program of national significance? We want you!

We Seek Visionaries

Individuals who are resilient, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference. You should be eager to learn, possess unwavering integrity, and share our commitment to Australia’s strategic defence objectives. 

Qualifications

The ASA Nuclear Graduate Program is open to recent (within the last 5 years) Policy & Corporate graduates who are driven, innovative, and ready to contribute to a project of national significance.

We are looking for Policy & Corporate Graduates in:

• Finance and Accounting
• Procurement
• Policy
• Law
• International Relations
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Project Management
• Business Commerce
• Human Resources.

If you are ready to step into a role that challenges and rewards in equal measure, offering a trajectory towards leadership in the defence industry, we invite you to apply for the ASA Nuclear Graduate Program. Together, we will safeguard Australia’s tomorrow. 

Our Organisation

The ASA was established on 1 July 2023 and is responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program. 

Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership will be critical to ensuring our Defence Force has the capabilities needed to keep Australians safe. 

The Australian Submarine Agency operates under the Defence portfolio and maintains strong linkages with the Department of Defence. Our workforce comprises a mixture of Australian Public Servants, Australian Defence Force members and contractors.

At the Australian Submarine Agency, you will enjoy unique experiences and opportunities that, as an APS employee, you simply would not get in any other organisation. You will engage in interesting and challenging work that directly contributes to national priorities.

Nuclear Mindset

The ASA Nuclear Mindset principles are a set of shared qualities and attitudes that shape the way we think, act and learn. It reflects our dedication to excellence and an unwavering commitment to safety, security and safeguards of the nuclear propulsion technology.

The nuclear mindset is the foundation for every action, decision, policy and behaviour to ensure we keep our communities, personnel and environment safe and secure. The adoption of a nuclear mindset demands precision, excellence, attention to detail and an inherent curiosity, and each member is responsible and accountable for exhibiting and ensuring the appropriate mindset thrives.

How To Apply

Apply Now for the Nuclear Graduate Program

In your application you should provide a copy of your current Resume/CV and a copy of your final or current university transcript. 

Vacancies will be extended in exceptional circumstances only. Applicants requesting an extension must contact the Contact Officer 24 hours prior to the vacancy closing date.

Eligibility

Employment with the Australian Submarine Agency is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999. 

Citizenship – Applicants must be an Australian citizen. 

Organisational Suitability - Due to the sensitive work undertaken by the Australian Submarine Agency, there may be the requirement to undertake additional suitability screening or assessments.

Security Clearance – The Australian community requires the highest level of integrity from public servants. The preferred applicant will be required to successfully undergo the security clearance vetting process at a specified clearance level.

Selection Process 

The Australian Submarine Agency uses a range of assessment processes to assist in selecting suitable applicants. We uphold the APS Merit Principle and our processes are designed to select the best available person for the job.

• Submission - Complete and submit your resume and university transcript.
• Shortlisting - We will assess your application using the Work level Standards and the attributes and skills contained in the “Our Ideal Candidate” section above.
• Online Assessment - Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in short Online Assessments. Online Assessments will be conducted in May 2025.
• Virtual Assessment Centres - If your application and Online Assessments are found successful you will be invited to participate in a virtual assessment centre. It is anticipated that Assessment Centres will be conducted in May 2025.
• Referees - If successful in shortlisting we will email you requesting your referee nominations. Reference requests will be sent electronically to your nominated referees to help us determine if you are suitable for the role/s.  Follow up calls to your referee may occur where required.
• End of Process - When the process is finalised, we will let you know the outcome via email.