Department of Defence
Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program (Feb 2026)
Canberra, Sydney
Opportunity expired
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- AUD 71207 / Year
- + 15.4% superannuation
- 20-30 vacancies
- Apply by 9 Apr 2025
- Start date 4 Feb 2026 - 11 Feb 2026
The Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program plays a critical role in contributing to current and future Navy capability and is one of the most comprehensive programs of its type in Australia. The program aims to support the acquisition and in-service sustainment requirements of the Royal Australian Navy fleet. Key to this function is providing specialist engineering support through the entire lifecycle of Navy platforms.
The Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program offers a 36-month development program, consisting of six work rotations of six months each. Four rotations within the Navy Group, one Industry rotation (outside of Defence), and one rotation in a different Defence Group.
The program includes a range of features that provide broad professional development and recognition as well as the opportunity to grow and develop a professional career as an Australian Public Service employee within the Department of Defence. Based on competencies recognised by Engineers Australia (EA), this program consists of Defence and Industry work rotations and provides optimum exposure to a variety of engineering opportunities through both on and off-the-job training.
The Department’s generous remuneration package, conditions of service and leave benefits will contribute to you enjoying a happy work/life balance. The program also includes assistance to achieve industry-based professional experience.
A minimum four-year Bachelor's degree, recognised in Australia, is required to apply for the Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program.
The Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program looks for applicants who have an Engineering degree, accredited by Engineers Australia specialising in:
- Software;
- Communications, Systems/Networks;
- ICT Engineering;
- Naval Architecture;
- Cyber-related studies;
- Mechatronics;
- Electronics;
- Electrical;
- Mechanical;
- Systems
Further information can be found in the Job & opportunities section of the Department of Defence employer overview.
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Australian Citizen
- Engineering & Mathematics +more
- Bachelor or higher
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.