Discover real-life stories in SA’s defence and space industries

Whether you’re looking for a career with purpose, job security, career advancement opportunities, flexible working arrangements, work-life balance, cutting-edge life-long skills or want to travel the world, there are many reasons why you should make the move into our state’s defence and space industry.

But don’t take our word for it. Check out these real-life stories from people already working in the industry. There’s no limit to where your skills can take you.

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Dr Janet Wilson
  • Defence
  • Engineering & Technical

Dr Janet

A natural talent for maths and physics saw Janet Wilson excel in engineering, rising to the top of her class and forging a global career in structural analysis. Her journey proves that with the right skills and determination, the possibilities in the defence industry are infinite.

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Claudia Szabo
  • Defence
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Claudia

Claudia’s passion for computer science has taken her from Romania to South Australia, where she leads the Complex Systems research group at the University of Adelaide. Her work in complex systems, cybersecurity, and AI is helping shape the future of SA’s defence technology.

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Amanda
  • Defence
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Amanda

Defence life has taken Amanda Tarrant across the world, from Malaysia to multiple Australian cities, before settling in Adelaide. Now a Project Officer at Veterans SA, she is dedicated to supporting veterans, serving members and their families.

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Stuart, Software Engineering Senior Staff at Lockheed Martin.
  • Defence
  • Information & Communication Technology

Stuart

With over 30 years in IT and software development at Microsoft and in the television industry, Stuart now leads software engineering at Lockheed Martin. He drives innovation to enhance Defence technologies, finding fulfillment in projects that protect Australia’s security.

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Marc Bryant
  • Defence

Marc

Marc Bryant’s military career spanned multiple continents before he and his family chose South Australia as their home. Now at Saab Australia, he leads major defence projects and supports veterans’ transition into civilian careers.

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Jack Hopgood
  • Space
  • Engineering & Technical

Jack

Jack grew up in the Adelaide Hills with a passion for science and maths, leading him to a career in the defence and space sectors. Now an Electronic Warfare Engineer at Inovor Technologies, he works on enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities.

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Nicola Higgins
  • Defence
  • Engineering & Technical

Nicola

With a passion for maths and physics, Nicola works on radar systems and sovereign hypersonic rocketry. Nicola advocates for women in STEM and encourages others to embrace the vast learning and growth opportunities in the defence industry.

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Allan Dias
  • Defence
  • Space
  • Engineering & Technical

Allan

Allan Dias was born in Brazil and, after his father received a job offer, he found himself moving to China during high school. With a fascination for flight and a knock-back from the Brazilian Air Force, Allan had to really consider his future career path. “I was looking for an […]

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Hugh, Project Manager at Redarc Electronics.
  • Defence
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Hugh

Hugh, a business management graduate from the University of South Australia, transitioned from marketing to project management within Redarc’s defence team. His role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and experts, fueling his long-term career aspirations in the defence industry.

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Sama
  • Defence
  • Information & Communication Technology

Sama

Sama’s journey from a refugee to a Software Engineer in the defence industry reflects her dedication to both technology and safety.

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  • Space
  • Engineering & Technical

Naida

Growing up with a love for astronomy, Naida turned her dream of working in space into reality by studying Mechatronics and Space Engineering. After joining the Australian Youth Aerospace Association, she saw the growing space ecosystem in South Australia, which led her to relocate.

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  • Defence
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Karen

Karen Hughes, Senior BD Manager at QinetiQ Australia, leads aerospace surveillance projects and champions diversity in STEM. With a background in Computer Science, she transitioned from academia to defence, driving innovation and value for government clients.

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  • Defence
  • Space
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Jordan

Dr Jordan Plotnek’s career soared from Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF to space cyber security expert. Now a Senior Lecturer at UniSA, he helps build cyber resilience in critical infrastructure while shaping the future of space security.

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  • Defence
  • Information & Communication Technology

Scott

Scott’s Cyber Technology internship at DEWC Services, supported by South Australia’s Defence Industry Scholarship Program, ignited his passion for electronic warfare and IoT security. The experience led to full-time employment, setting him on a path to grow with DEWC’s team of specialists.

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  • Defence
  • Space
  • Project Management/Support & Logistics

Dr Gretel

Dr. Gretel Png, an electrical engineer with global experience, joined DSTG in 2018. Passionate about space and nuclear-powered submarines, Gretel aims to influence defence’s STEM initiatives while continuing to learn and contribute to South Australia’s tech landscape.

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  • Space
  • Information & Communication Technology

Samantha

Samantha Santos found her calling in space after witnessing its life-saving impact during natural disasters in the Philippines. Moving to South Australia to pursue a career in the growing space sector, she now works at Deloitte, helping connect space technology with real-world challenges.

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