Michael van Balen, who has a 38-year career in the Navy, will take the reins on May 13.

After joining the Navy as a cadet in the late 1970s, he has held several positions including Principal Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney, Chief of Defence Force Liaison Officer to United States Central Command, Deputy Chief of Navy and Head Navy Personnel, Training and Resources.

He has received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the 2005 Australia Day Honours List and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in January 2015.

College of Sciences and Engineering executive dean, Professor Brian Yates welcomed the announcement, saying it came at a crucial time for the college.

"AMC has a remit which will be of great importance as Australia seeks to achieve sovereign capability in the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise," Professor Yates said.

"At the same time, AMC will work closely with the state as part of the state's Defence strategy, the development of the Defence Network and the proposal for the Maritime Defence Innovation and Design Precinct at Newnham."