Job role insights

  • Date posted

    September 25, 2026

  • Closing date

    October 25, 2026

  • Location

    Adelaide

  • Salary

    $200,000 - $250,000 /year

  • Career level

    Director / Executive

  • Qualification

    Degree in Architecture or Engineering (Chartered CPEng / Registered Architect preferred)

  • Experience

    12+ Years

Description

Official Employer Notice: All the key details, authentic position specifications, and direct application procedures are hosted on the official Laing O’Rourke careers portal. You can navigate directly to the verified listing on the employer website by clicking the Apply Now button.
AUKUS Defence Infrastructure Programme: This position supports Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) in delivering the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard (NPSCY) project at Osborne, South Australia, delivered by Laing O’Rourke in joint venture with Amentum Australia. Australian citizenship and security clearance eligibility apply.

Position Quick Summary

  • Employer: Laing O’Rourke
  • Requisition ID: 495555
  • Primary Location: Osborne Naval Shipyard, Adelaide, SA 5017, Australia
  • Workplace Model: Executive Design Leadership: Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard (NPSCY), Osborne SA
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Closing Date: Rolling Advertised Vacancy (Ongoing Advertising Cycle)
  • Remuneration Benchmark: AU$200,000 – AU$250,000 + Superannuation (Executive Design Leader Benchmark)
  • Career Level: Director / Executive

Role Overview & Project Scope

Laing O’Rourke is currently seeking applications for the position of Design Leader. As a $6 billion privately owned global engineering and manufacturing-led construction leader, Laing O’Rourke delivers some of Australia’s most complex and iconic infrastructure projects across defence, rail, transport networks, health, water, and utilities.

This role forms an essential part of Laing O’Rourke’s major capital delivery capabilities, driving certainty of delivery, safety culture, and industry-leading standards.

Core Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

In this role at Laing O’Rourke, your key responsibilities and deliverables will include:

  • Developand lead the design capability on the project.
  • Collaboratewith project leaders to identify, assess, and manage design risks across the project, ensuring robust risk mitigation strategies are in place
  • Overseethe design process, including the formulation of design methodologies and the management of design and technical risks
  • Providecontinuous oversight and conduct regular design health checks on the project to ensure adherence to design standards and project objectives.

Selection Criteria & Candidate Profile

Laing O’Rourke evaluates applicants against demonstrated technical capabilities and experience aligned with this role:

  • ​Degree in an Engineering Discipline (Civil/Mechanical/ Electrical/Geotechnical) with Chartered Professional Engineer status or equivalent.
  • Advanced experience in the Design/Engineering/ Construction field.
  • Previous experience working in high-risk construction industry
  • Applicants must be Australian citizens and hold or be able to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance to NV1 level.

Key Competencies & Technical Proficiencies

Design Leadership Nuclear Facility Infrastructure Design AUKUS NPSCY Program Engineering Governance & SiD Design Consultant Consortium Leadership BIM / Digital Engineering Strategy Client Approvals & ANI Liaison Constructability Strategy

Benefits, Rewards & Flexibility

At Laing O’Rourke, you are supported to build a meaningful, rewarding career. Some of the benefits offered include:

  • In-house training programs and on-the-job skill development.
  • Industry-leading parental leave giving all employees access to six months paid parental leave at full pay.
  • Additional purchased leave options, and access to volunteering leave.
  • Exclusive discounts and savings across hundreds of retailers across Australia.

Application Instructions

To inspect the complete official vacancy announcement and submit your confidential application directly through the PageUp career portal, click the Apply on Employer Site button above.

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