Department of Defence
Defence Graduate Program – Research and Innovation Stream
Opportunity expired
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- APS 4; $67,100 pa + 15.4% super. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will advance to APS 4: $76,215 + 15.4% superannuation
- Apply by 18 Apr 2020
As one of Australia’s largest employers of scientists and engineers, DST delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.
DST’s vision is to be a world leader in defence science and technology – indispensable in transforming the ADF and Australia’s national security.
Headed by the Chief Defence Scientist, DST has an annual budget of approximately $408 million and employ approximately 2300 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians. DST has a presence in nearly every state and territory in Australia, with the national headquarters situated in Canberra, and research facilities in Melbourne, Edinburgh (in the northern suburbs of Adelaide), Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, HMAS Stirling at Rockingham (near Perth), Scottsdale in Tasmania, and Innisfail in northern Queensland.
DST works closely with industry, universities and the scientific community to enhance their combined ability to support Australia’s defence and national security capabilities and to contribute to national wealth.
As part of the Defence Graduate Program, the Research and Innovation (R&I) stream is a dedicated Science and Technology pathway that leads to graduate employment at DST.
The R&I program consists of two-rotations (8 & 4 months) across major science and technology capability areas within DST or more broadly in Defence and provides graduates with the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt through their undergraduate degree to real-life, cutting-edge Defence research programs.
Candidates must have completed a minimum of a relevant Honours degree with no more than 2-years relevant experience and want to further develop their research skills through a DST supported PhD in the future.
DST has graduate opportunities available in the following discipline areas:
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Engineering, and Naval Architecture
- Computer Sciences, IT, Software Engineering, Telecommunications
- Electronic/ Electrical Engineering
- Psychology and Social Sciences
- Materials Science
- Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (including robotics)
- Chemical, Radiological, Biological and Food sciences
- Mathematics and physics
Depending on your degree, Research and Innovation Stream graduates can expect to work on a number of cutting edge, challenging and varied roles including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning
- Cyber Security Data Research
- Software and security systems
- Autonomous systems
- Space systems
- Data Analytics
- Mathematical modelling
- Radar and sonar systems
- Human Factors and Performance
Quick Details
Salary: APS 4; $67,100 pa + 15.4% super. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will advance to APS 4: $76,215 + 15.4% superannuation
Program: 12 months - 1 x 8 month rotation, 1 x 4 month rotation
Eligibility: Australian Citizens only
Location: Various across Australia
Reviews
They are different every day but I have had the opportunity to draft emails, documents and undertake academic research as part of developing doctrinal policy.
- Document review, editing and drafting. - Handling correspondence for projects - Attending meetings - Stakeholder engagement (both internal and external)
Policy writing, decision making, liaising with other areas of Department . These roles and responsibilities are very rewarding
About the employer
Department of Defence
4.1
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
Bring your unique skills and experiences to a world of opportunity at Defence.
Pros and cons of working at Department of Defence
Pros
Opportunity to learn and exposure to a vast array of experiences. Sense of pride in working on behalf of the Australian people and for the defence of the country.
The support for learning development opportunities and ongoing exposure to networking opportunities.
The department is very flexible when it comes to hours, including making ample arrangements to work from home if necessary.
I have had the opportunity to draft emails, documents and undertake academic research as part of developing doctrinal policy.
They are supportive and are good mentors in teaching the internal procedures that otherwise would not be shared if not directly exposed to them.
Cons
Workplace culture is heavily dependent on the dedication of the supervisors and senior leaders which varies depending on the work area.
When all workplace employees are working on-site there is often a shortage of desks which is inconvenient for all involved.
Can be very slow to hear updates.
There is a good mix of women, ethnic minorities, etc., but this seems to be very aggregated in certain groups/services—not so much integrated or dispersed across the department.
I am unsure of my current knowledge or capacity to comment on their sustainability efforts.