Defence Industry

Lady and man reviewing images of a submarine
Defence Industry2025-04-23T15:57:45+09:30
About Defence Industry

South Australia’s defence industry has begun the most significant program of growth in Australia’s history.

The defence industry supports Australia’s national security through cutting-edge technology, and advanced manufacturing in areas such as systems and cyber, naval shipbuilding and aerospace. It’s not about joining the armed forces, its’ about shaping the future, solving complex problems and contributing to a safer world for future generations. With roles across all skill levels and backgrounds, it offers rewarding careers, job security, and the chance to work on world-leading projects that make a real difference.

Watch our defence industry explainer

Major defence industry projects

  • HMAS Sydney Commissioning Ceremony

    Hobart class destroyers

    Maritime

    Upgrades to the combat management system of three Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) will occur at Osborne Naval Shipyard.

  • Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Collins Class submarine at sea

    Collins class submarines

    Maritime

    Adelaide is home to both full-cycle docking and life-of-type extension project for the current fleet of Collins class submarines to maintain submarine capability prior to the introduction of nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines.

  • Nuclear powered submarine at sea with coastline in sight

    Nuclear-powered submarines

    Maritime

    Under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership (with the US and UK), South Australia is the home of the build for Australia’s new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the SSN-AUKUS.

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.

Discover Occupations

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.

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.

Defence
Project Management/Support & Logistics Sales

Loren

A keen eye for detail and meticulous organisational skills led to Loren honing her events expertise in the growing defence industry. Loren is proof that you don’t need to be an engineer or join the Defence Force to find your place in South Australia’s defence industry.

Defence
Project Management/Support & Logistics Sales

Jeremy

Jeremy’s 19-year career, spanning both defence and civilian workforces, has always had one mission: supporting the security and prosperity of our nation.

Over 400 employers in SA

ASC logo
Babcock logo
BAE Logo
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.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

How can I find my place in the defence and space industries?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

There is a lot of information available for those looking for a career in Defence and Space and this can be overwhelming!

We have aimed to simplify this for you by collating available information sources on this website.

Explore a range of short and long term pathways into the defence and space industries.

Who is Defence SA?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

Defence SA is the South Australian Government’s lead agency for all defence matters.

The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) is a department within Defence SA and is the state government’s lead agency for all space matters.

Defence SA wants to ensure South Australia takes full advantage of the major project opportunities in the defence and space industries and have developed the Find Your Place campaign to educate and inspire the future workforce about the life-long careers available in the state.

The jobs available are not recruited by Defence SA or SASIC, they are managed by industry. Find out more about jobs in the South Australian defence and space industry.

If you are interested in working for Defence SA, any job opportunities are posted on our careers page.

Does working in the defence or space industry mean I have to be an engineer?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

No. Both the defence and space industry offer an exciting range of careers across many disciplines, including:

  • project management
  • contracts management
  • tradespeople
  • data analysts
  • ICT and software development
  • supply chain
  • workplace health and safety
  • scientists
  • researchers
  • marketing and communications
  • logistics.

Learn about the wide variety careers on offer.

Do I need to be an Australian Citizen to work in the defence industry in South Australia?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

Yes. The majority of defence industry jobs require a minimum BASELINE security clearance. You must be an Australian citizen to apply for and obtain a security clearance.
 
If you are not an Australian citizen, you may still be able to gain employment. This is something you will need to discuss with your potential employer at the time of application.
Do I need to have a university degree to work in the defence and space industries?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

No. There are a range of education pathways available to start your career in the defence industry.

Find out more about the career opportunities and pathways into defence and space in South Australia.

What types of companies make up the Australian defence and space industries?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

The defence and space industries consist of:

  • large, global organisations
  • Australian owned and operated small to medium sized companies
  • South Australian start-up companies
  • smaller companies from adjacent industries that often provide specialised parts and equipment to larger companies for specific projects
Do I need to have a security clearance to work in the defence and space industries?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

Generally speaking, some level of security clearance is required (or the ability to obtain one). Most projects associated with Defence and Space are classified.

This is something your potential employer would discuss with you.

Find out more information about security clearances from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

Do I need to study at the Australian Defence Force Academy to work in the defence industry?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

No. There are many career pathways into the defence industry, including TAFE and university.

If I work in the defence industry does this mean I am part of the Australian Defence Force?2025-01-31T15:53:45+10:30

No. A career in the defence industry will see you working on projects that support the Australian Defence Force.

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