Engineers are a critical part of the Defence Force team. But it’s not all awesome aircraft and super subs – there are engineering roles across the whole of Defence and the careers will surprise you!
You might already know that Defence engineers work with exciting tech in the Navy, Army and Air Force. But they’re also involved in cutting-edge research and multimillion-dollar projects to develop new products and acquire military equipment from submarines to aircraft. And there’s more to the job than being smart with technology.
Military engineers
Whether you have a passion for radio waves, engines or ships, Defence has a place you can put it into action. Here are some operational roles for different engineering disciplines in the Navy, Army and Air Force:
Aeronautical, aerospace and avionics engineers maintain helicopters and aircraft from the ground up – including their engines, aerodynamics, navigation and weapons systems.
Civil engineers in the Army and Air Force design, construct and maintain land-based
structures, including bridges, roads and airfields.
Electronics engineers lead teams of technical specialists to keep navigation, communication and weapons systems combat-ready.
Mechanical engineers work on power, propulsion and control systems for ships, submarines, tanks and air support vehicles.
Defence civilian engineers
Engineers play important roles out of uniform, too. For the high-stakes military environment, it’s important that engineering decisions are backed by solid research. That’s where engineers at DSTG and from the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group – part of Defence – come in.
Engineers supporting Defence research a wide range of areas. One study analysed data about the body structures of Defence serving members to make sure uniforms, equipment and working spaces were designed to fit! Another project looked at using the properties of water to better protect people and equipment from landmines and other explosive devices. The development of unique and novel products for Defence use is a significant part of research engineering.
Got the skills?
Technical know-how is a must, but Defence engineers also manage people and projects. These skills will set you apart:
- Versatile communication: Explaining the pros and cons of technical systems to politicians and senior leaders with no engineering training is an important part of the job.
- Problem-solving: Whether it’s an urgent fix to save lives or a tricky research question, solving engineering challenges is a daily task.
- Systems thinking: Are you a big-picture person? Defence tech needs to communicate and work together across forces and geographic areas, so this is a must.
- Leadership and people skills: As a people manager, you’ll need to be a great listener, be able to make decisions, be organised and have top time-management skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Defence engineers tap into the knowledge and experience of multidisciplinary teams.
Technical pathway
A good way to get your foot in the door of engineering in Defence is the 18-month Defence Graduate Program Technical Pathway. You’ll rotate through three roles, meet senior leaders and access career guidance and training. And you can apply for study leave and support if you decide to go on to postgrad studies.
Start your career here
Defence + Engineering Study
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), University of NSW (ADFA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) (Honours), University of NSW (ADFA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), University of NSW (ADFA)
- Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Defence + Engineering Jobs
- Navy Mechanical Engineer: Trainee salary starts at $46,316, average salary $97,908
- Air Force Electronics Engineer: Trainee salary starts at $46,316, average salary $87,989
- Army Aeronautical Engineer: Trainee salary starts at $46,316, average salary $87,989
- APS Software Engineer: APS Level 3, $59,237–$65,270
- APS Systems Engineer: APS Level 3, $59,237–$65,270
Salaries are average incomes according to: defencejobs.gov.au and defencecareers.nga.net.au. Roles and remuneration averages vary depending on qualifications and being a trained, uniformed member of Defence or a civilian employee.
This article was originally published in the special edition of Careers with STEM: Defence.
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