About the Job

Aerospace Software Engineers (Aerospace Engineer - Software) in the Australian Army are responsible for employing state of the art concepts, cutting edge methodology and tools in specification, design, construction, testing and documentation of large software systems. As a Software Engineer your responsibilities will include project managing complex and mission critical tasks associated with maintaining the integrity and operational capability of the second largest aircraft fleet operator, and the largest helicopter operator in Australia. As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for new and exciting aircraft such as the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Chinook, Black Hawk and Multi-Role Helicopter platforms.

As a Software Engineer you will be employed as an officer in the Australian Army with responsibility for the full range of regimental, engineering specific, and staff duties where your skills can be used to enhance Army Aviation's capabilities. Specifically, Software Engineering Officers 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 enhance your understanding of mechanical, electrical, avionics and armament systems on the 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.

Our Software 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 software designs for our aircraft.

Furthermore, the recent acquisition of the Armed Reconnaissance and Multi-Role Helicopters has required many Army Software 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. Army Software 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 a Software Engineering Officer 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 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.

  • Computer Systems
  • Mechatronics
  • Software

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 security clearances appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency 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, and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years. Required information includes:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Credit

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

Training

Military Training

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 of training and currently conducted three times each year.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC.

Ares SSOs must complete IFA for both modules. 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 Aerospace 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; and

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.

  • Computer Systems
  • Mechatronics
  • Software

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 equalling the period of sponsored study plus one year (with a minimum of three years’ service after graduation).

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.

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 security clearances appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency 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, and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years. Required information includes:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Credit

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

Training

Military Training

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 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 of training and currently conducted in the first half of the training year.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Physical Fitness Levels

All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC.

Ares SSOs must complete IFA for both modules. 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 Aerospace 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.