Space Industry

HyImpulse SR75 rocket lifts off from Southern Launch Koonibba Test Range
Space Industry2025-05-08T11:15:54+09:30
About Space Industry

South Australia is the nation’s centre-of-gravity for space.

Home to the Australian Space Agency, the Australian Mission Control Centre, and over 100 space-related organisations. More than 1,500 people are already working in this exciting, fast-growing sector. At its core, the space industry is all about cutting-edge innovation, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch, mission control and data analytics. It’s not just for astronauts, it’s for engineers, analysts, technicians, creatives, and problem-solvers with a wide range of skills, experiences and backgrounds. The space industry offers a career that’s firmly focussed on the future, with the chance to make a difference to life on Earth through world-leading space technology.

Watch our space industry explainer

Space Projects

  • Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, Sleaford, South Australia

    Whalers Way

    Space

    The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is located on the Southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.

  • Space Manufacturing Graphic

    Space assembly and test facility

    Space

    A new $20 million space manufacturing facility will be developed at Lot Fourteen to provide space companies with open access to a space assembly, test and integration facility in the Adelaide CBD at Lot Fourteen.

  • Kanyini

    Kanyini

    Space

    Fully manufactured at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen, South Australia’s first state-funded satellite, Kanyini, was launched onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on 17 August 2024.

Career Quiz

Navigate a day on the Moon with the Australian Space Agency to find out which career paths suit you.

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.

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

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
Babcock
BAE Sytems
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.

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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