Career Stories

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reinaldo, a Senior Procurement and Subcontracts Officer at BAE Systems Australia, supports defence projects with supply and logistics. Originally from Venezuela, he moved to Australia eight years ago, building a career in the defence industry in both Sydney and Adelaide.

Wanting to take his skills in mechanical engineering to the next level and forge a rewarding career in defence, Cameron made the move to SA to work on one of the nation’s biggest naval shipbuilding projects – the Hunter Class Frigate Program.

As a young boy James dreamt of being an astronaut and his fascination with space has led to an exciting career as a rocket scientist. He recently made the move to South Australia’s thriving space sector where his career has taken off.

As a young engineering graduate new to defence industry, Emily was eager to move to South Australia to broaden her career horizons in the state’s thriving defence industry.

Farisha has been working in the South Australian space industry for under a year, but is part of a growing constellation of female engineers lighting a successful career path in the sector.

Wanting to be part of an industry fuelled by innovation and some of the country’s brightest minds, South Australian project manager Ben Adams knew it was time for a change when he took one giant leap into a new career in the space sector.

Charting a new course in his career journey, Kosta was eager to make his mark in an industry set for strong growth and filled with meaningful work. This led him to a new career in the defence industry.

Rozanne’s work as an accountant didn’t really pique much interest from people until she started working in the defence industry. Now, her day-to-day involves working with a vast range of people on financing long-term defence projects, such as manufacturing batteries for submarines.

South Australian systems engineer Georgia never considered working in the defence industry, but after starting her career journey with one of the state’s largest defence companies she has never looked back.

From a young age, Jeff’s curiosity about how the world works and finding solutions to complex problems sparked an interest in engineering. With his father enjoying a successful career in South Australia’s defence sector, it was only natural that Jeff’s career path followed in a similar direction.

As a young female engineer wanting to work on innovative and cutting-edge technology, Jessica Sharp was excited about the prospect of moving to South Australia to pursue a career in the state’s thriving defence industry sector.