Defence sector jobs and careers come in many forms across a range of organisations including the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Public Service, and within the Defence industry which supports defence.
On this page:
Defence jobs explained
Australian Defence Force
Comprising the Navy, Army and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force is a modern, people‑focused organisation; and one of Australia's major employers.
The Australian Defence Force can offer rewarding and fulfilling careers to suit people with broad ranging backgrounds, skill levels and interest. There are a variety of roles on offer, in particular in the fields of logistics, administration, science, technology and engineering.
Australian Public Service Defence jobs
The Department of Defence and Australian Signals Directorate employ Australian Public Service (APS) employees across Australia and the world. Defence APS employees are employed in an array of critical positions enabling the three services: Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job.
The opportunities are varied and include intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, IT specialists, graphic designers, social workers, lawyers, accountants and administrative support.
Defence industry jobs
The Australian Government is investing $200 billion in Australia’s defence capability.
A highly skilled Australian workforce will be needed to design, install, build, integrate and maintain our ships, submarines, aircraft, land vehicles, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and information technology and cyber security.
The defence industry will provide additional career opportunities as major infrastructure and maintenance projects ramp up over the next decade. New opportunities will exist in the large multinational companies that win Australian Defence Force contracts as well as Australian businesses, across different regions of the country, that are part of the supply chain.
A number of skilled occupations applicable to the defence industry are currently in shortage. Skills in demand include trade, technical, design and construction.
The Defence Industry website provides information about the range of roles and how to access training that will give you the practical skills you need to gain employment.
Find employers and apply for jobs online
Each part of the defence sector has their own jobs board with opportunities at all levels, from graduate positions, apprenticeships, cadetships and internships to senior leadership positions – scroll down to start exploring.
Help to apply for jobs
Naval Shipbuilding College
The Naval Shipbuilding College was established to connect people with opportunities across the shipbuilding industry. The College has a focus on assisting potential candidates into employment or to identify educational and training pathways to obtain their skilling goals.
Whether you are starting your career, transitioning from another or need to up‑skill, the College can connect you with endorsed training programs across Australia to help you become ‘job‑ready’ for the shipbuilding industry. Watch the webinar series to find out about training and up-skilling opportunities and how the Workforce Register can support those interested in working in Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry.
Find out more about the Naval Shipbuilding College
Defence West
Defence West was established by the Western Australian Government to grow the local defence industry. This website has information on how to access free career advice from the specialist defence industry team and how to access industry recognised training for jobs in immediate demand, including engineering and trade occupations such as welding, heavy fabrication and fitting.
Find out more about Defence West
Find your place in South Austrlia
Find your place in South Australia’s defence industry using the career and training pathways collated on this website. Explore careers in naval shipbuilding, systems and cyber, and space. The site has tailored information for different types of people, including school leavers, career changers and veterans.
Find out more about Find Your Place