Young female worker holding a laptop at BAE systems
Young Boeing worker standing in a hanger, in front of a large aeroplane

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Discover your career in South Australia’s defence and space industries.

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Defence & Space

Careers in defence and space are more than you think. Imagine being part of something far bigger than yourself.

Be part of something bigger

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jobs expected to be filled over the next two decades
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of the world’s top 10 defence companies with a presence in South Australia
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defence companies located in South Australia
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space companies located in South Australia

Where are the opportunities?

Defence industry technician working on an aircraft

Defence industry

South Australia is home to more than 400 private defence companies including 7 of the 10 largest defence companies in the world that are already well-established in the state. More than 11,000 jobs are being created over the next two decades to safeguard our nation’s future.

HyImpulse SR75 rocket lifts off from Southern Launch Koonibba Test Range

Space industry

South Australia’s space industry currently employs more than 1500 people and is growing at a rapid pace. Careers in the space industry offer a broad range of opportunities which companies specialising in satellite design, manufacturing, launch, data analytics, research and more.

What are the career paths?

The defence and space industries offer diverse career opportunities, where any skill set or personal interest can be applied to find a rewarding pathway. Whether you’re interested in technology, strategic planning, or just love getting your hands dirty, there is something for everyone.

If you’re skilled at analysing data, coding, or managing complex IT systems, a career in Information and Communication Technology might be ideal. So, if you excel in solving technical problems and love staying up to date with cutting-edge technology, there’s no limit to where a career in defence and space could take you.

Discover Occupations

If you have a knack for designing, building, or optimising machinery and systems, engineering in the defence and space industries might be for you. It’s a great career path for those who enjoy applying technical knowledge to innovate and advance defence systems or you could even find yourself developing advanced spacecraft and satellite technologies.

Discover Occupations

If you’re organised, strategic, and excellent at building relationships, the defence and space industries offer exciting roles in sales, project management, communication and marketing and logistics. These careers are well-suited for those who thrive in planning, coordinating, and delivering results in fast-paced environments.

Discover Occupations

If you’re hands-on and skilled in areas like welding, machining, or electrical work, trade careers in the defence and space sectors offer rewarding opportunities. These roles could be a great fit if you are a problem solver who enjoys practical, precision-driven tasks.

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  • Event

    Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase

    The Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo, South Australia’s premier careers event, is coming to Adelaide in May 2025! For the first time, the event will feature an exclusive Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase with more than 20 defence and space primes, SMEs and specialised education providers on hand to tell you everything you need to know about a career in one of the fastest growing industries in South Australia.

Career stories

Tori Tasker, Systems Engineer at Boeing
Defence Space
Engineering & Technical

Tori

Tori Tasker started her career digging up ancient bones as an archaeologist, before pivoting to new career trajectory in the space sector.

Shena Howell, Senior Systems Engineer at Shoal
Space
Engineering & Technical

Shena

When Shena Howell was pursuing her passion for the arts at a young age, she never thought her natural creativity would drive her to become an innovative thought leader in South Australia’s defence and space industries.

Space
Engineering & Technical

Georgia

As one of South Australia’s youngest female STEM graduates rocketing to success in the state’s space sector, Georgia Dallimore is passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in STEM to reach for the stars.

Defence
Engineering & Technical

Anthony

For Royal Australian Air Force Veteran Anthony Kunda, a career in the defence industry has proved to be just what he was looking for post-service – combining skills learnt while serving his country with his passion to be a part of something bigger.

Over 400 employers in SA

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Lockheed Martin logo
Saab logo

Opportunities & pathways

Students

Get ready to embrace a world of innovation and cutting-edge technology. South Australia’s world-renowned universities and TAFE SA are a great place to start.

Job seekers

Take your career to the next level where your passion for innovation will lead to opportunities for growth, job security and a highly paid profession.

Veterans

A career in defence and space could be just the fulfilling role you’ve been looking for post-service. Use your valuable, transferable skills to continue supporting our nation’s security.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

There has never been a better time to consider your career in one of South Australia’s fastest growing industries and there are many pathways you can take to get there.

Employers

There are many initiatives and programs available to help build or up-skill your workforce.

Educators

Now is the time to talk to your students or children about a career in the defence or space industry.

Find jobs

Ready to get started on your new career? See what jobs are available now.