About the Job

Since the earliest days of flight Aeronautical Engineers have designed, constructed, and developed the science of aircraft and spacecraft. The Australian Army is looking for Aeronautical Engineers to be part of the largest helicopter operator and the second largest aircraft fleet operator in Australia. As an Aeronautical Engineer, you will be part of a team responsible for developing new and exciting capabilities within the Defence Force such as the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Chinook, Black Hawk and Multi-Role Helicopter platforms.

As an Aeronautical Engineer you will be employed as an officer in the Australian Army with the full range of regimental, engineering specific, and staff duties where your skills can be used to enhance Army Aviation's capabilities. Specifically, Army Aeronautical Engineers are engaged in a range of maintenance, logistics and engineering management functions relating to our fleet of helicopters. Throughout your career you will receive helicopter specific training to develop your understanding of mechanical, electrical, avionics and armament systems on the various aircraft.

Your initial employment in the Army would usually be as a junior engineer within a helicopter squadron. In addition to gaining hands on experience with the aircraft you will play an important role in managing the maintenance team and ensuring helicopter airworthiness and availability is maintained. Working as an engineer in an aviation squadron, you may also have the opportunity to lead a maintenance team in support of international aviation operations. The recent acquisition of the Armed Reconnaissance and Multi-Role Helicopters has required many Army Aeronautical Engineers to work as project engineers both within Australia and as part of our resident team in France.

Additional employment opportunities lie in the field of engineering and maintenance planning, flight test engineering and helicopter simulation. Our Army Aeronautical Engineers also perform logistic management and design engineering roles within the Army Aviation Systems Program Office. Opportunities within this area may include the implementation of a modification program for Army helicopters and approving structural repair designs for our aircraft. Army Aeronautical Engineers also have a range of opportunities for overseas travel and/or post-graduate study.

With new aircraft acquisitions and the constant demand for helicopters to support Army operations, your career as an Aeronautical Engineer promises to be challenging and extremely rewarding.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

The areas in Australia that you could be posted to are:

  • Darwin, NT - 1st Aviation Regiment - ARH Tiger helicopter
  • Townsville, QLD - 5th Aviation Regiment - MRH-90 Taipan and Chinook helicopters
  • Oakey, QLD - Rotary wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) - technician training school
  • Brisbane, QLD - Headquarters 16th Aviation Brigade - Aviation Brigade Headquarters
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Systems Branch - capability acquisition and through life support
  • Brisbane, QLD - Aviation Branch, Headquarters Forces Command - airworthiness and capability management
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section - test and evaluation
  • Sydney, NSW - 6th Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk helicopter
  • Canberra, ACT - Aviation Program, Army Headquarters - new aircraft acquisition and
  • Melbourne, VIC - Director General Technical Airworthiness - technical regulation and structural integrity management

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the ADFA application process from 16 years of age.

Education & Experience

The requirements for acceptance into ADFA for an Aeronautical Engineer Officer career are completion of Year 12 with passes in English, Mathematics, a Physics based subject and one other board developed course (or state equivalent) subject.

ACT students must achieve a Tertiary Entrance Statement "scaled score" of 125 or above in the following eligible subjects:
  • English (T), English/Literature (T), ESL (T), ESL-English (T) or Literature (T). Accredited (A) English is acceptable for the ADF when there are 4 Tertiary (T) courses including at least 3 Tertiary Majors and 1 Tertiary Minor subject.
  • Mathematics Methods (T). Specialist Mathematics (T) is highly desirable.
  • Physics (T), Engineering Studies (T) or Flight (T).
NSW students must achieve Band 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the following eligible subjects:
  • English Extension 2, English Extension 1, English Advanced or English Standard. Band 4, 5 or 6 must be achieved if English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) was studied.
  • Mathematics Advanced is the minimum requirement. Mathematics Extension 1 and/or Mathematics Extension 2 are highly desirable.
  • Physics or Engineering Studies.
NT and SA students must achieve an A, B or C grade in the following eligible subjects:
  • Essential English (previously known as English Communication), English, English Literary Studies or English as an Additional Language. Alternatively, applicants may achieve the required grades at Year 11 English and a pass in a language rich subject at Year 12.
  • NT: Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Studies or Maths 1 is the minimum requirement. Specialist Mathematics or Maths 2 is highly desirable. SA: Mathematical Methods (Level 4) is the minimum requirement. Mathematics Specialised (Level 4) is highly desirable.
  • Physics.
QLD students must achieve an A, B or C grade in the following eligible subjects:
  • English Extension, English & Literature Extension, English, Literature, English, English for ESL or English as an Additional Language.
  • Mathematical Methods or Maths B. Specialist Maths or Maths C is highly desirable.
  • Physics or Engineering Technology.
TAS students must achieve a grade of Exceptional Achievement (EA), High Achievement (HA), Commendable Achievement (CA) or Satisfactory Achievement, (SA) in the following eligible subjects:
  • English (Level 3), English Literature (level 3), English Writing (level 3) or English as an Additional Language/Dialect (level 3).
  • Mathematical Methods (level 4). Mathematics Specialised (level 4) is highly desirable.
  • Physics (level 4).
VIC students must achieve an A, B or C grade in the following eligible subjects:
  • English, English Literature, English as an Additional Language (EAL) (previously English as a Second Language (ESL)) or English Language.
  • Mathematics Methods. Specialist Mathematics is highly desirable.
  • Physics or Systems Engineering.
WA students must achieve an A, B or C grade in the following eligible subjects:
  • English ATAR, Literature ATAR, English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.
  • Mathematical Methods ATAR. Mathematics Specialist ATAR is highly desirable.
  • Physics, Engineering Studies or Aviation.
International Baccalaureate (IB) students must achieve a score of 3 or higher is a pass for Higher Level (HL) subjects, or a score of 4 or above for Standard Level (SL) subjects. Eligible subjects are:
  • English A variants (HL or SL) or Literature and Performance (SL). English B (SL or HL) is acceptable if an IB score of 5, 6 or 7 (out of 7) was achieved.
  • Mathematics (SL). Mathematics (HL) and Further Mathematics (HL) are highly desirable.
  • Physics.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 achieved in each test area) on the 'Academic test' is equivalent to year 12 English.

All applicants must also obtain an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering (Honours) at ADFA. The indicative entrance score requirement for this program is 2017 ATAR 85 MIN or OP 8*.

As well as applying to the Army for entry, applicants must also apply to the Universities Admissions Centre for entry to the University of New South Wales when applications for the target year opens. The UAC website is: www.uac.edu.au

This entry mode attracts a debt greater than the maximum rate of HECS due to the higher costs associated with ADFA studies ($25,000 per annum). In general terms, this debt accrues (increases) whilst undertaking study, with the maximum debt reached on completion of study. Once the period of study has ended, the debt begins to acquit (reduce) for the remainder of your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once the IMPS period is complete, there is no remaining debt.

*OP = Overall Position (QLD only). Please note this minimum OP should be used as a general guide only as the conversion can vary from year to year. The exact terminology for assumed subject knowledge varies by state.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of nine years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.

Defence Academy Entry Officers become liable to an IMPS from the graduation day of their second year of studies. This means that they may leave the Academy at any time up to the end of second year, without any obligation.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location of training: Australian Defence Force Academy
Duration of training: Three years

The academic and military training at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Canberra ACT, takes three years to complete. After graduation, you will attend the Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC), for 12 months to further your military training. Upon completion of this you will be required to return to ADFA for 12 months to complete your degree.

Upon joining ADFA, you will undertake six weeks of initial military training to prepare you for Service life. This training encompasses leadership, ceremonial, physical, field and weapons training. You will also undertake adventure training, learn about academic life and prepare for your first ceremonial parade as a member of the Australian Defence Force. This parade, which is reviewed by the Chief of Defence Force is a great opportunity for your parents, family and friends to celebrate your achievements as you embark on your military career.

During the academic year, up to nine hours per week are assigned to military education and training. This program includes leadership studies, Defence studies, training in military law, weapon handling, communication skills, as well as physical fitness training.

On at least two occasions each year, you will undertake Single Service Training with RMC of approximately two weeks. Over three years, these blocks of training will provide you will all the skills necessary to commence training at RMC upon graduation from ADFA.

Other breaks during the year will provide you with the opportunity to be involved with academic field trips, overseas battlefield study tours, a visit to an overseas defence academy (if you have excelled in your studies) and extracurricular activities such as adventurous training and sporting trips.

All of the above training, together with the qualifications you will gain through your undergraduate degree at the University of New South Wales, will provide you with an excellent grounding to progress with your Army career.

Location of training: Royal Military College - Duntroon
Duration of training: 12 Months

RMC training is made up of three terms each of approximately six months duration. Cadets in their first term are referred to as Third Class, second term cadets as Second Class and third term cadets as First Class. ADFA Cadets commence RMC in Second Class. Cadets are organised as a Battalion known as the Corps of Staff Cadets.

This is how your military training at RMC will unfold:

Second Class: By the end of Second Class you will have grasped command and leadership skills at section and platoon levels. You will have received further instruction in battle tactics, military history, administration, training, science and technology and communication skills. You will also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge and experience in the field and practice at section command level, expanding to platoon level towards the end of Second Class.

First Class: By now you will be ready to put your knowledge into practice at the section, platoon and company level. Your understanding of strategic issues, management, military history and leadership will also be further developed.

You will graduate from RMC as a Lieutenant and return to ADFA to complete your final year of Engineering.

During Military (ADFA and RMC) Training and (Initial) Employment Training (Logistic Officers Basic Course etc), you will be required to pay a contribution towards your meals, accommodation and utilities.

Employment Training

Logistics Officers Basic Course: 12 Weeks

The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces the newly appointed RAEME Officer to the Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Victoria.


Aviation Training Continuum: 12 Months

The Aviation Training Continuum consists of a series of short courses of varying lengths over a period of 12 months. The Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC) located in Oakey, Queensland is responsible for the co-ordination of the following aviation training:

  • (a) Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C): Conducted at RAAF base Wagga Wagga, New south Wales, junior engineer officers learn about workshop processes, aviation regulations and ADF aviation documentation.
  • (b) System Manager (SYSMAN) course: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, engineering officers are taught the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for their posting.
  • (c) Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Initial: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, this course hones the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC to an Army aviation specific environment.

Further Training

The Army encourages selected officers to improve their qualifications and RAMS Aeronautical Engineers currently attend the following courses:

  • (i) Defence Aided Study Scheme (DASS) for the opportunity to choose your own university postgraduate opportunities.
  • (ii) Masters programs run by ADFA through UNSW are available to Army engineers
  • (iii) Masters of Project Management (Army Technical Staff Officers Course) conducted at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. Two positions for a senior Captain/Major each year.
  • (iv) Flight Test Engineers Course / Masters of Science. 18 month course at Cranfield UK. One position every second year. Rank Captain.

The above courses may incur a Return of Service Obligation. This is a means whereby Army ensures they get a reasonable return for the expense incurred to improve your qualifications. After completion of the course, the member is required to complete a period of service equal to the period of training, plus one year.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

The areas in Australia that you could be posted to are:

  • Darwin, NT - 1st Aviation Regiment - ARH Tiger helicopter
  • Townsville, QLD - 5th Aviation Regiment - MRH-90 Taipan and Chinook helicopters
  • Oakey, QLD - Rotary wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) - technician training school
  • Brisbane, QLD - Headquarters 16th Aviation Brigade - Aviation Brigade Headquarters
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Systems Branch - capability acquisition and through life support
  • Brisbane, QLD - Aviation Branch, Headquarters Forces Command - airworthiness and capability management
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section - test and evaluation
  • Sydney, NSW - 6th Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk helicopter
  • Canberra, ACT - Aviation Program, Army Headquarters - new aircraft acquisition and
  • Melbourne, VIC - Director General Technical Airworthiness - technical regulation and structural integrity management

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

The minimum requirement is an engineering degree permitting graduate membership to Engineers Australia (EA) as a professional engineer. The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not in this list will be considered on a case by case basis.

  • Aerospace/Aeronautical
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronics

You may commence the selection process if you are in the final year of an engineering degree and can present your completed academic transcript and confirmed completion/graduation date. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion of all professional experience requirements and the final semester of your engineering degree.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of three years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course

The Specialist Service Officer Course is conducted at the Royal Military College - Duntroon and provides Regular and Reserve Force Specialist Service Officers with fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future employment.

The ARA course is 42 days in duration and is currently conducted three times each year.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC. This is an entry level requirement for all courses conducted at RMC. The IFA is based on a shuttle run, push ups and sit ups and is designed to determine whether trainees are at the minimum required standard to complete training at RMC. Due to the unique nature of training at RMC, trainees who do not demonstrate the base line levels of the assessment may be withdrawn from training and RTU. If you do not pass the IFA, you will be medically reviewed by the RMC Doctor and you will be advised if you are able to continue with training.

For further details on physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF.

Employment Training

Logistics Officers Basic Course: 12 Weeks

The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces the newly appointed RAEME Officer to the Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Victoria.

Aviation Training Continuum: 12 Months

The Aviation Training Continuum consists of a series of short courses of varying lengths over a period of 12 months. The Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC) located in Oakey, Queensland is responsible for the co-ordination of the following aviation training:

  • (a) Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C): Conducted at RAAF base Wagga Wagga, New south Wales, junior engineer officers learn about workshop processes, aviation regulations and ADF aviation documentation.
  • (b) System Manager (SYSMAN) course: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, engineering officers are taught the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for their posting.
  • (c) Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Initial: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, this course hones the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC to an Army aviation specific environment.

Further Training

The Army encourages selected officers to improve their qualifications and RAMS Aeronautical Engineers currently attend the following courses:

  • (i) Defence Aided Study Scheme (DASS) for the opportunity to choose your own university postgraduate opportunities.
  • (ii) Masters programs run by ADFA through UNSW are available to Army engineers
  • (iii) Masters of Project Management (Army Technical Staff Officers Course) conducted at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. Two positions for a senior Captain/Major each year.
  • (iv) Flight Test Engineers Course / Masters of Science. 18 month course at Cranfield UK. One position every second year. Rank Captain.

The above courses may incur a Return of Service Obligation. This is a means whereby Army ensures they get a reasonable return for the expense incurred to improve your qualifications. After completion of the course, the member is required to complete a period of service equal to the period of training, plus one year.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary Information

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your salary increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you could receive a variety of allowances specific to your service - plus superannuation at a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.

Your starting salary

When you first join the Army and while studying for your degree at the university of your choice, you will be paid:

With 4 years to graduation: $35,326 per year
With 3 years to graduation: $41,606 per year
With 2 years to graduation: $47,886 per year
In final year: $54,166 per year

Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your pay grade may also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training.

In addition to this package you will receive free medical and dental care, substantial housing and accommodation subsidies.

Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.

Locations

The areas in Australia that you could be posted to are:

  • Darwin, NT - 1st Aviation Regiment - ARH Tiger helicopter
  • Townsville, QLD - 5th Aviation Regiment - MRH-90 Taipan and Chinook helicopters
  • Oakey, QLD - Rotary wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) - technician training school
  • Brisbane, QLD - Headquarters 16th Aviation Brigade - Aviation Brigade Headquarters
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Systems Branch - capability acquisition and through life support
  • Brisbane, QLD - Aviation Branch, Headquarters Forces Command - airworthiness and capability management
  • Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section - test and evaluation
  • Sydney, NSW - 6th Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk helicopter
  • Canberra, ACT - Aviation Program, Army Headquarters - new aircraft acquisition and
  • Melbourne, VIC - Director General Technical Airworthiness - technical regulation and structural integrity management

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

You may commence the selection process if you have completed at least six months of an Engineers Australia accredited four year engineering degree or 18 months of a five year program, and can present your academic transcript. Your appointment will be subject to:

  • A minimum of one full year (full time study equivalent) of an engineering degree and
  • Have no more than three years of study (full time) outstanding to complete all of the requirements for the award of your degree

Applicants attempting double degrees will only receive HELP funding allocation for their engineering units.

The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not in this list will be considered on a case by case basis.

  • Aerospace/Aeronautical
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronics

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

Undergraduates will be appointed for the period of their study plus a further period of service equaling the period of sponsored study plus one year (with a minimum of three years’ service after graduation).

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course

The Specialist Service Officer Course is conducted at the Royal Military College - Duntroon and provides Regular and Reserve Force Specialist Service Officers with fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future employment.

The ARA course is 42 days in duration and is currently conducted three times each year.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC. This is an entry level requirement for all courses conducted at RMC. The IFA is based on a shuttle run, push ups and sit ups and is designed to determine whether trainees are at the minimum required standard to complete training at RMC. Due to the unique nature of training at RMC, trainees who do not demonstrate the base line levels of the assessment may be withdrawn from training and RTU. If you do not pass the IFA, you will be medically reviewed by the RMC Doctor and you will be advised if you are able to continue with training.

For further details on physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF.

Employment Training

Logistics Officers Basic Course: 12 Weeks

The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces the newly appointed RAEME Officer to the Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Victoria.

Aviation Training Continuum: 12 Months

The Aviation Training Continuum consists of a series of short courses of varying lengths over a period of 12 months. The Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC) located in Oakey, Queensland is responsible for the co-ordination of the following aviation training:

  • (a) Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C): Conducted at RAAF base Wagga Wagga, New south Wales, junior engineer officers learn about workshop processes, aviation regulations and ADF aviation documentation.
  • (b) System Manager (SYSMAN) course: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, engineering officers are taught the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for their posting.
  • (c) Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Initial: Conducted at Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) in AAvnTC, this course hones the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC to an Army aviation specific environment.

Further Training

The Army encourages selected officers to improve their qualifications and RAMS Aeronautical Engineers currently attend the following courses:

  • (i) Defence Aided Study Scheme (DASS) for the opportunity to choose your own university postgraduate opportunities.
  • (ii) Masters programs run by ADFA through UNSW are available to Army engineers
  • (iii) Masters of Project Management (Army Technical Staff Officers Course) conducted at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. Two positions for a senior Captain/Major each year.
  • (iv) Flight Test Engineers Course / Masters of Science. 18 month course at Cranfield UK. One position every second year. Rank Captain.

The above courses may incur a Return of Service Obligation. This is a means whereby Army ensures they get a reasonable return for the expense incurred to improve your qualifications. After completion of the course, the member is required to complete a period of service equal to the period of training, plus one year.