From avionics technician to aspiring engineer
For Ewan, returning to the defence industry has provided an opportunity to build on the skills and experience gained through service while contributing to meaningful work and pursuing his ambition of becoming a qualified engineer.
Ewan joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 2001 at the age of 20 as an Avionics Technician. After completing a rigorous 14-month course at RAAF Base Wagga, he undertook on-the-job training at RAAF Base Edinburgh, maintaining and repairing aircraft electrical, radar, navigation and instrument systems on the AP-3C Orion.
Ewan later served with the Electronic Warfare Squadron before completing his Australian Defence Force (ADF) career with the Air Force Improvement team, where he focused on continuous improvement.
“I was primarily driven by a desire to serve my country and find a strong sense of purpose,” Ewan says of his decision to join the ADF.
After 13 years of service, Ewan discharged from the RAAF in 2014. With a young family and a posting ahead that would have required him to move away, he decided to prioritise his family’s stability.
Having previously completed a degree in management, Ewan transitioned into management consulting in the private sector. Although the transition was relatively smooth, he missed the Defence environment and its sense of purpose.
When the COVID-19 pandemic affected demand in the consulting sector, Ewan saw an opportunity to return to the defence industry.
Today, he supports the day-to-day operations of an electronics laboratory at RAAF Base Edinburgh as a contractor to Defence through Omni Executive.
“My military foundation means I understand the environment, the standards, and the operational tempo,” Ewan says.
“Returning to the defence sector feels like coming home.”
Alongside his work, Ewan is studying a Bachelor of Engineering Science online through Charles Darwin University in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering stream. He previously completed an Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia.
With support from a Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship, Ewan is combining his hands-on technical background experience with higher-level engineering knowledge.
“When we are conducting testing now, I don’t just know how to do it; I understand the concepts and theoretical principles behind why we are doing it.”
His studies have also strengthened his confidence when participating in technical discussions.
Ewan’s ultimate goal is to become a Chartered Engineer. He is progressing from his associate degree to his current bachelor studies and, ultimately, aims to complete a Bachelor of Engineering Honours.
Published 4 November 2026
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