About the role: The Defence Graduate Program is a 12-month development opportunity designed to launch your career in the Australian Public Service (APS). As a Defence graduate, you will gain hands-on experience, build professional networks and develop the skills needed to make a real impact.

Graduates can bring their unique skills and experiences to make their mark in a world of opportunity at Defence. The Research and Innovation Pathway is where science meets strategy. If a soldier wears it, uses it, eats it, or thinks it, someone in Defence created the science behind it. This pathway offers graduates the chance to work on pioneering projects that shape the future of national security.

The key duties of this position include:

Graduates can gain experience across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Engineering: Autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, aeronautical, mechanical, mechatronic, software.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Drive automation and predictive capabilities.
• Information Warfare and Computing Technologies: Cyber defence and offence, computer science, high-performance computing, IT innovation.
• Quantum Mathematics and Physics: Explore next-generation technologies.
• Hypersonics and Missile Defence: Push the boundaries of speed and protection.
• Air Combat Systems: Innovate for aerial superiority.
• Psychology, Humanities and Social Science: Understand human factors and decision-making.
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Science: Safeguard against emerging threats.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Research and Innovation Pathway must:

• Be an Australian Citizen
• Have completed at minimum an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 qualification (a Bachelor Honours Degree), or higher equivalent between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance.

This vacancy has been nominated for filling within the agency's Graduate program. A graduate program is a structured, on the job program, designed to introduce graduates to an APS organisation. They receive training and development, mentoring and on the job support.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers