Aeronautical Engineer
As an Aeronautical Engineer, you'll lead and manage a team that works with aircraft structures, systems and equipment to build and deliver capability for the Air Force and ADF. You’ll apply your knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles across a variety of Air Force aircraft, acquiring, managing, sustaining and maintaining different technologies, including aviation ground combat support systems like RADAR, SONAR, IT and networks.
What you'll do
You’ll be responsible for regulation, project management, logistics support and technical maintenance to ensure Air Force technology is employed safely, efficiently and effectively to deliver Air Force and ADF capability. You and your team will work on a wide range of aircraft, from F-35A Lightning IIs to C-27J Spartans and E-7A Wedgetails, as well as propulsion systems, ancillary technical equipment and related aviation ground combat support systems. Plus, as an officer, you’ll also be responsible for the leadership, management and welfare of the technical and logistics teams working alongside you and your engineering team.
Your duties may include:
- Operational Engineering - leading skilled technicians at an operational Air Base to maintain and configure Air Force equipment for daily missions
- Sustainment Engineering - working alongside the defence industry to modify, upgrade and ensure the continued effectiveness of Air Force equipment
- Project Engineering - applying project and engineering management skills as Air Force acquires new capability to meet Australia's evolving needs
- Safety Engineering - influencing aviation safety by investigating technical incidents and managing workforce standards such as training and qualifications.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
In addition, the Air Force sponsors your Engineers Australia (EA) membership and participation in a Graduate Development Program run in co-operation with EA. Through participation in this program, you could achieve Chartered Professional Engineer status.
As an officer in the Air Force, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you could be posted to one of the many Air Force bases across Australia. During exercises and in response to international events, you may be deployed to another Australian or foreign military base.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Being happy is important in life. If what you do makes you happy, then that’s all that matters.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 51 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for entry to ADFA, but this role requires you to attain your driver's licence while at ADFA, in your own time and at your own expense. If you already have an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence, it can't be suspended or cancelled. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other Board of Secondary School Studies registered (or state equivalent) subjects and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering or a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.
Note: As well as applying to the Air Force for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Officer Cadets can leave ADFA at any time within their first 2 years. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a 2-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Air Force SST gives you the opportunity to experience life in the Air Force close up. Topics include:
- adventure training
- Air Force heritage
- air power knowledge
- communications
- drill and ceremonial
- ground defence training
- leadership and management
- military justice
- weapon training
- work experience.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Initial Course
Duration: 33 days
Location: RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
The course provides the knowledge and skills common to all aerospace engineering areas of employment, including a high-level overview of the technical integrity regulatory system and process. The topics covered include:
- engineering regulation and organisation
- engineering and maintenance procedures
- technical documentation
- logistics
- aircraft design/systems facilities
- engineer training and development workplace safety.
Further specialist courses may be offered to provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation. These are normally completed within the first 12 months of your service.
Civilian RecognitionAs an ADF Senior Engineer, you’ll become a member of Engineers Australia. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may also be chartered in the Leadership and Management College of EA as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
You’ll also be offered an additional technical Area of Practice depending on your employment history, qualifications and training.
If you’re a Junior Engineer, you may self-fund your accreditation at a discounted application and annual membership rate.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a Bachelor of Engineering degree that is accredited at the level of Professional Engineer by Engineers Australia in one the following areas:
- Aerospace
- Aeronautical
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Biomechanical.
Engineering degrees other than those listed will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You can apply if you’re in the final year of your degree and have your third-year academic transcript. You’ll then need successful results in your final semester before your appointment to the role.
Degree qualified officers normally start their careers at one rank higher that non-graduate officers.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Initial Course
Duration: 33 days
Location: RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
The course provides the knowledge and skills common to all aerospace engineering areas of employment, including a high-level overview of the technical integrity regulatory system and process. The topics covered include:
- engineering regulation and organisation
- engineering and maintenance procedures
- technical documentation
- logistics
- aircraft design/systems facilities
- engineer training and development workplace safety.
Further specialist courses may be offered to provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation. These are normally completed within the first 12 months of your service.
Civilian Recognition
As an ADF Senior Engineer, you’ll become a member of Engineers Australia. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may also be chartered in the Leadership and Management College of EA as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
You’ll also be offered an additional technical Area of Practice depending on your employment history, qualifications and training.
If you’re a Junior Engineer, you may self-fund your accreditation at a discounted application and annual membership rate.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a Bachelor of Engineering in:
- Aerospace
- Aeronautical
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Biomechanical.
However, the Air Force will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Air Force.
If you're in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you‘re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
Note: Engineering degrees other than those listed will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You’ll only receive funding for one degree if you’re studying a double degree.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 2 years’ service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Undergraduate Familiarisation Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS) RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.
Following graduation, you’ll undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Initial Course
Duration: 33 days
Location: RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
The course provides the knowledge and skills common to all aerospace engineering areas of employment, including a high-level overview of the technical integrity regulatory system and process. The topics covered include:
- engineering regulation and organisation
- engineering and maintenance procedures
- technical documentation
- logistics
- aircraft design/systems facilities
- engineer training and development workplace safety.
Further specialist courses may be offered to provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation. These are normally completed within the first 12 months of your service.
Civilian Recognition
As an ADF Senior Engineer, you’ll become a member of Engineers Australia. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may also be chartered in the Leadership and Management College of EA as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
You’ll also be offered an additional technical Area of Practice depending on your employment history, qualifications and training.
If you’re a Junior Engineer, you may self-fund your accreditation at a discounted application and annual membership rate.