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 bigger than yourself.

Imagine being involved in pushing the boundaries of innovation; making ground-breaking and world-leading advancements that are helping to define our state and safeguard our nation’s future.

This is the world of South Australia’s defence and space industries, which has begun the most significant program of growth in Australia’s history. The scale of the defence industry projects that our state has secured and the speed at which our space industry is developing means we are embarking on a journey of unprecedented opportunity. But one critical ingredient is missing: YOU.

Why the defence and space industries?

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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 1,500 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 skillset or personal interest can be applied to find a rewarding pathway. While a large portion of our defence and space industries workforce will come from South Australia’s student ranks, particularly STEM, it’s not just science-oriented people that are needed.

Just like a business in any other sector or industry, defence and space companies rely on a huge number of skillsets, including everything from accounting to IT, project management to marketing. Tradespeople and apprentices are also in high demand, so discover your career path today!

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.

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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.

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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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  • For Secondary Students For Tertiary Students

    AUSS presents: Launch Your Space Career (ages 14+)

    July 7 – July 9

    Curious about a career in space? Launch Your Space Career is a free school holiday session designed for high school and university students eager to explore pathways into the space sector.

    Launch Your Space Career. Explore pathways into the space sector.

Career stories

Professor Jenny Mortimer
Space
Project Management/Support & Logistics

Jenny

Jenny Mortimer leads groundbreaking research on how unique species of plants can thrive in space and support future missions.

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.

Georgia, Space Communicator at Australian Space Agency
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.

Over 400 employers in SA

ASC
BAE Sytems
Babcock
Lockheed Martin
Raytheon Australia
Saab
KBR
APC Technology
Boeing
EPTEC | Corrosion Control Engineering a member of the Eptec Group
Aurizn
REDARC Defence & Space
Supashock Advanced Technologies
Inovor Technologies
Fleet
Southern Launch
Neumann Space
SMARTSAT Cooperative Research Centre
Rheinmetall

Opportunities & pathways

Students & Graduates

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.