Find Your Place SA

Find Your Place SA

The defence industry is one of the fastest growing industries in South Australia, yet there are still misconceptions about what a career in the defence sector really looks like.

First, working in the defence industry does not mean joining the Australian Defence Force, but in a sector that supports the Department of Defence’s projects.

Second, a career in the defence industry involves much more than building ships and submarines.

The types of jobs available in the defence sector are as varied and diverse as in any other industry, ranging from project management, marketing and communications, contracts management and supply chain to combat systems engineering, information technology, construction and logistics. The only difference is working in a growing industry with over 50 years of projects in the pipeline, providing rewarding and lifelong employment.

Rebecca, an Underwater Combat and Automation Systems Engineer with SAAB Australia, made the move to the defence industry to ensure a long-lasting career without having to leave Adelaide, South Australia.

“The defence industry ticks all the boxes,” Rebecca said.

“It is a growing industry in South Australia with large, complex and bespoke development programs solving novel problems for Defence.” 

Rebecca now works as part of a diverse team designing submarines for the Future Submarine Program Combat Systems Integration, Collins Class Submarine Automation and several research and development projects. 

Dhiren always wanted to work on long term Defence projects, so when the chance to take on a role as a Commercial Manager with South Australian defence company PMB defence presented itself, he jumped at the opportunity. 

“There are a number of projects within South Australia which you can spend your entire career working on and still enjoy what you do,” Dhiren said.

“If you are eligible and want to have a long, sustainable career, defence industry is the place to be.”

Being responsible for the commercial and supply chain division of his employer, Dhiren currently manages the contracting and legal aspects of some of the state’s largest Defence industry projects. 

When Jamila told her peers she was moving from her job in commercial real estate into the defence industry, many thought she was being too ambitious. Today, she is working as a project manager for global defence company BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

“There’s a misconception that the defence industry is very serious, but the experience I’ve had is that we are a very creative and collaborative group of individuals working towards a common goal,” Jamila said.

Since making the switch, Jamila has had the opportunity to work with many creative and talented individuals on a variety of meaningful projects.

“I don’t think people should be intimidated by making the move into defence, a lot of people have a lot of transferable skills that can easily transition into this industry,” she said.
Whether you are at school, about to finish school, completing higher education, a mature-age worker considering a career change or somewhere in between, there are a range of study options and career pathways available to help you find your place in the defence sector. Visit www.findyourplacesa.com to find your pathway to the defence industry.