Project Controller

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a detail‑driven and analytically minded Project Controller to support the successful delivery of major defence and shipbuilding programs under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA). In this role, you will provide comprehensive financial, cost, schedule, and performance oversight to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with scope, governance standards, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) requirements.

Working closely with Project Managers, Control Account Managers (CAMs), Finance, Procurement, and broader program stakeholders, you will play a key role in performance analysis, forecasting, risk oversight, and project decision support. This is an excellent opportunity to influence project outcomes across one of Australia’s most significant sovereign shipbuilding programs.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’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

• Financial oversight including budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and earned value analysis.
• Monitoring of project schedules, milestones, and performance indicators.
• Establishing and maintaining Performance Measurement Baselines (PMB).
• Supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR) in accordance with contract and EVMS requirements.
• Reporting and data analysis, including development of dashboards and performance summaries.
• Maintaining integrated project data across EVMS, IFS, P6 and associated platforms.
• Identifying, analysing, and reporting program risks and opportunities.
• Resource demand/supply monitoring and variance communication.
• Cross‑functional collaboration with Finance, Procurement, Program Management and Operations.
• Driving continuous improvement in project controls processes, frameworks, and reporting.

You’ll Need 

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 2–5 years’ experience in project controls, cost control, or financial analysis.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimation, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with Earned Value Management and performance measurement.
• Understanding of scheduling principles (critical path, sequencing, dependencies).
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial reporting tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate data into meaningful insights.
• High attention to detail, analytical mindset, and a proactive, problem‑solving approach.

Desirable

• Experience with Primavera P6 and/or IFS.
• Power BI / Power Query / Pivot experience.
• Background in shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, or defence programs.
• Familiarity with Commonwealth reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of contracts, variations and milestone payment structures.
• Professional certification in project controls (AACE, PMI etc.) or progress toward one.

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.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia