Defence

Broadly speaking, engineers use science and mathematics to develop and test solutions to complex problems. While engineers are employed by the Australian Defence Force, even more are highly sought after by the companies developing products and services to support defence force capabilities.

South Australia’s future defence industry will demand a workforce of engineers who specialise in:

• production/manufacturing, meaning they develop, validate and improve manufacturing processes and systems
• software, meaning they build and maintain software systems
• systems, meaning they work with networked computer systems and focus on designing and maintaining the hardware and software required in that network
• mechanical engineering, meaning they develop and test tools, machines and other mechanical products
• combat systems, meaning they design and develop systems and products to support defence force capabilities
• electrical engineering, meaning they design, build and maintain electric tools, devices, systems and equipment
• integrated logistics support, concerned with managing the flow of materials, information and goods from start to finish.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised in South Australia and across Australia.

Project Managers coordinate and oversee the delivery of major projects to drive efficiency and ensure timely completion. This involves responsibility for overall project outcomes, including budget and timelines, cost, quality, contracts, engineering, integration, health, and safety, construction, commissioning and stakeholder management.

South Australia has a history of delivering some of the most dynamic and complex defence projects and there are a variety of jobs available to fill the project management needs of these programs.

Responsibilities include:

• providing project and contract management services
• controlling projects budgets and reporting on project progress
• leading and overseeing administration and delivery of professional services and contracts
• developing and implementing procedures and guidelines that promote best practice.

Support Technicians work within project teams to develop technology that will support delivery of a project. This includes the requirement to monitor, maintain and provide technical support on systems including network, hardware and software.

Responsibilities include:

• developing systems that provide outcomes for projects
• investigating problems with systems and consulting colleagues to determine solutions
• working closely with software engineers to ensure all systems work together to achieve outcomes efficiently
• developing, installing and testing hardware and software.

A Human Resources (HR) specialist works as part of a broader HR team, to drive recruitment, help manage employee well-being and foster a positive workplace culture. They perform tasks, and provide advice to employees about management, payroll, benefits, training, occupational health and safety, organisational change, compensation and recruitment.

Responsibilities include:

• managing recruitment processes to fill workforce needs
• preparing policies and procedures about HR issues including safety, performance management and recruitment
• maintaining employee records
• dealing with industrial relations matters
• developing training programs and onboarding new employees.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek, across Australia.

Finance Managers are responsible for the financial resources of the organisation they work for, including forecasting expenditure and income, so that guidance can be provided to leadership teams.

Major defence projects are stimulating significant economic development and investment across the industry, and Finance Managers will play a key role in managing the financial viability of delivering these projects.

Responsibilities include:

• analysing financial information and providing forecasts and projections
• managing budgets across departments or even multiple business interests
• exploring ways to increase profit margins
• analysing market trends, identifying risks and mitigation strategies
• preparing financial reports.

Communication specialists provide a range of strategic communication services across an organisation’s operations. Their work may vary from internal employee messaging and culture-building to marketing products and services and media and stakeholder relations that build company brands.

Responsibilities include:

• preparing and implementing marketing and communication strategies to help meet business objectives
• preparing written, visual and digital communications to promote products or services
• managing contractors to develop graphic or digital products or services
• building internal and external networks to generate an accurate and positive understanding of an organisation’s business and goals.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek, across Australia.

Digital Specialists work with teams to determine digital requirements for projects. They develop solutions that are three-dimensional, interconnected and trackable. In a world where everything is digitalised, especially in the highly-complex defence industry, there is an increasing demand for Digital Specialists to work in global organisations and these skills are vital for national security.

Responsibilities include:

• 3D modelling and visualisation including graphic design
• software programming
• developing digital programs that support project teams to effectively deliver outcomes
• solving problems using digital solutions.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek, across Australia.