BAE Systems

Defence

What We Do

From a dusty paddock in Woomera in 1953 to delivering the next generation of advanced anti-submarine warships in Adelaide – we’ve come a long way during our many years of operation in Australia

BAE Systems is Australia’s most versatile defence and security company. From air and maritime sustainment to shipbuilding, we have a long and proud heritage of providing advanced defence technology which protects both people and national security, keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.

Our strengths and core capabilities include providing the design, manufacture, upgrade and support services to the Australian Defence Force, cyber intelligence and commercial organisations across the country. We offer total capability in vital areas such as through-life support, security, logistics and systems integration.

Defence is striving for enhanced capability at lower cost. Today’s operating environment is also more complex and less predictable than ever.

Australia’s air force, navy and army are required to deploy at short notice virtually anywhere in the world, fully equipped and with a strong, sustainable supply chain. BAE Systems Australia is meeting these challenges — while searching for new ways to provide our customers with a competitive edge across the air, maritime, land and cyber domains.

We provide opportunities for graduates, work experience interns, apprentices and trainees to join our business and work on the latest technologies, capabilities and infrastructure that underpins Australia’s defence programs.

Recruiting new and emerging talent is critical for growing our future workforce. It also provides new and diverse perspectives, critical to ensuring that innovation flourishes.

Kick-start your career with a graduate role, internship, apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity with us, at BAE Systems Australia.

See more about our programs on the left!

Hunter Class Frigate Program

The Hunter class frigates are based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, currently being constructed in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy.

The frigates are being modified to meet the Royal Australian Navy’s operational requirements. These modifications include incorporating the leading-edge Australian CEA phased-array radar, the Aegis combat management system and the integration of the Seahawk Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter.

Each warship will be constructed on an acoustically quiet hull and feature unique sonar capabilities, modular digital design and open systems architecture to facilitate through-life support and upgrades as new technology develops.

The formidable fleet is being designed for maximum versatility and flexibility in operational roles, from humanitarian and disaster relief operations to high-intensity warfare.

The integrated mission bay and hangar is capable of supporting multiple helicopters, unmanned vehicles, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores. A launcher can be provided for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle operation, and the flight deck is capable of landing a Chinook helicopter to transport land forces.

Commitment to support and develop Indigenous-owned businesses

Hunter is committed to supporting and developing 15 Indigenous-owned businesses over the life of the program.

Already the program has worked with a number of Indigenous-owned businesses, including Supply Nation, the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium, TQCSI-Yaran, Murra Services (through their work with MG Engineering) and Career Centre Alliance.

Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN)

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is a connected series of three remote over-the-horizon radars located in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

The state-of-the-art defence system provides wide-area surveillance at ranges of 1,000 to 3,000 kilometres and plays a vital role in supporting the Australian Defence Force’s air and maritime operations, border protection, disaster relief and rescue operations.

JORN works by refracting high-frequency electromagnetic waves off the ionosphere to ‘see’ objects thousands of kilometres away that are invisible to conventional radars because of the curvature of the earth.

JORN is controlled and operated by the Royal Australian Air Force from the Battlespace Surveillance Centre at its Edinburgh base in South Australia.

Nulka Active Missile Decoy

• One of our key products, the Nulka, is currently deployed on over 150 Australian, US and Canadian warships and is Australia’s largest regular defence export for the Commonwealth.
• Nulka is an aboriginal word for ‘be quick”
• The Nulka is an active missile decoy that protects surface ships against anti-ship missiles. Fully autonomous after launch, the unique flight vehicle design allows the decoy’s flight-path to be maintained with a high degree of precision over a wide range of environmental conditions, resulting in extremely high levels of mission effectiveness against modern anti-ship missiles.
• Accurate control of the flight vehicle allows for optimal positioning of the decoy, independent of ship manoeuvre, and minimises the likelihood of collateral damage to friendly forces.
• The hovering technology was developed in the 1970’s by DSTO in Australia.
• BAE is the prime contractor and system design agent and manufactures the flight control hardware at Edinburgh Parks (SA), and the assembly and tests of the completed Nulka Round is performed at the Nulka Round Assembly Facility in Mulwala (NSW).

F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet Program

• The F-35 is a stealthy, multi-role attack aircraft capable of operating from land and sea to nations across the globe, and is the world’s largest defence program.
• As a key partner, we hold a 13-15% workshare of each aircraft.
• Our Edinburgh Parks facility houses the only titanium milling machine of it’s type in the southern hemisphere. The titanium rods for the tail of the F-35 are milled on site at Edinburgh Parks, each one taking up to 48 hours of precision milling ready for assembly in the UK.
•  From its location at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW, BAE Systems delivers ADF Aviation Technical Training (ATT) to aircraft technicians. Our high quality facility provides students with access to aircraft and state of the art simulators, and is recognised for delivering technicians of an exceptionally high standard.
• The Lead-In Fighter is a flight training aircraft that transitions pilots into flying fast jets, and this is based in Williamtown NSW and Pearce in WA.

Hawk Lead-In Fighter Training System

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter provides state-of-the-art fast jet training capability using advanced simulation technology to create a ‘flying classroom’ for Australia’s future fast jet aircrew.

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter is the world’s most successful advanced military jet trainer aircraft built on more than 35 years of fast jet training experience. More than 1,000 aircraft have operated across 18 countries, preparing more than 20,000 pilots for life in a fast-jet cockpit.

 The Hawk Mark 127 Lead-In Fighter is a tandem, two-seater jet aircraft. Australia currently has 33 aircraft that have all been enhanced to ensure they remain cutting edge and future ready.

Using advanced airborne simulation technology, the Hawk is a ‘flying classroom.’ It prepares student pilots to master the controls of combat aircraft and trains the RAAF’s fast jet aircrew for operational conversion to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Hawk Lead-In Fighter Training System graduates regularly achieve 100% pass rates in their fighter operational conversion courses.

Red Ochre LABS

Red Ochre Labs, our hub for disruptive technology and early product development, also presents significant opportunity for further research and development into keeping JORN at the forefront of high frequency technology and ensuring the continued development of this critical sovereign capability.

Having the ability to do some of that research and development alongside key defence, industry and academic partners will keep JORN, and our technology more broadly, at the cutting edge and delivering for our defence force.

Red Ochre LABS links to research and development projects across BAE Systems’ 40 + Australian sites; therefore, opportunities are available nationally. At the heart of Red Ochre Labs will be Australian air, land and sea and cyber technologies focused on:

• Autonomous systems
• Hypersonics
• High-Frequency Systems
• Electronic warfare
• Anti-submarine warfare capabilities through the Hunter Class Frigate program.

Autonomy – STRIX Uncrewed Aerial System

A hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability, STRIX™ could be used for a variety of missions including air to ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for military helicopters.

Designed to carry up to a 160kg payload over 800km, STRIX™ will be capable of operating in high-risk environments. With a collapsed footprint of 2.6m x 4.5m, it could be easily transported in a standard shipping container. Its VTOL capability means STRIX™ could be used without relying on an airfield. It could also be operated from a helicopter to expand the mission set and protect aircrew in high-threat environments.

We have an extensive history of developing autonomous systems globally, including the Taranis and Mantis uncrewed autonomous demonstrator aircraft. The STRIX™ VMS already guides platforms, including the M113 for the Australian Army’s autonomous systems program and MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone for the Royal Australian Air Force’s autonomy program.

We are continuously exploring how we can support the challenges customers face in both the near term and future battlespace.  Alongside core defence programs, we are developing a range of autonomous systems and future concepts.

As well as working with Innovaero on STRIX in Australia, we are also working with SMEs such as Malloy on the T-650 eVTOL heavy lift vehicle in the UK, which will enable customers to carry out a number of different roles including air surveillance / ISTAR, anti-submarine warfare and air to ground strike to provide greater protection for forces on the ground.

Career Pathways

The Commonwealth of Australia has commenced a once-in-a-century investment program in the defence sector.

A series of multi-billion dollar programs will bring the latest technologies, capabilities and infrastructure to every Defence domain including the Joint Strike Fighter for our RAAF, Future Frigates for the RAN, and cutting edge land vehicles for our ADF.

BAE Systems Australia has a major stake in these and additional programs that will bring jobs and economic growth to multiple states and defence industry sub-sectors.

Your opportunity is to be a part of these nation-building programs.

We are interested in new talent to join our strategic campaigns. Opportunities will soon be opening across a range of skillsets and capabilities.

The future is bright at BAE Systems Australia. Join us.

Work Experience

We offer unpaid work experience for Year 10 school students both in-person and online. Students work in teams on a project to develop, operate and maintain a virtual amusement park.

Under guidance from engineering and project management teams, the students work through a number of training modules including digital design, 3D printing, workplace safety and electronics construction.

This program provides students with experience in coordinating a project and showcases what STEM skills are needed to create a roller-coaster for a hypothetical business unit.

We offer two pathways to participate: Face-to-face over 4-5 days; or via online over 3 days. Both program styles are available at various sites and times throughout the year.

Interested in STEM – Browse the STEM Learning Hub! Here you will find home and classroom activities, information about our outreach activities and some of our frequently asked STEM related questions. STEM Learning Hub | BAE System.

Register your interest – Work experience | BAE Systems

Apprenticeships

We hire apprentices in Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle.

Our Shipbuilding business, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, is Australia’s largest-ever naval surface shipbuilding project, the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Throughout the 20+ year life of the program, we are committed to hiring 1000 early career positions across apprentices, trainees, graduates and interns.

Our Apprentices receive comprehensive training, supervision, coaching and mentoring, as well as the opportunity to gain specialist skills in the shipbuilding industry. We have well-established career pathways in place with opportunities to progress through the business as your confidence and skills grow.

Our apprenticeships include:

Steelwork – as part of the steelwork team, you will use your skills to fabricate and assemble the ship’s hull and superstructure. Working in purpose-built shipyards and using a variety of welding and fabrication technologies to a high standard of accuracy, it will be your task to cut, shape and assemble the components that form the body of the ship.

Mechanical – in this field, you will apply your skills to the fabrication, assembly and installation of many of the systems that the ship requires to operate effectively. Working in purpose-built shipyards, you will use a variety of equipment, material and tools in the manufacturing of critical ships systems such as:

• Fresh Water Systems
• Sea Water Systems
• Fuel and Oil Systems
• Compressed Air System

Electrical – as an Electrician you will be responsible for the assembly and installation of a variety of electrical systems critical to the operation of the ship. From power generation and distribution systems to lighting equipment, machinery control panels or data and communications networks. You will apply knowledge and skills in all areas of the ship.

Avionics – apprentices will be given the opportunity to work on one of the world’s most advanced military fast jet aircraft, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, along with an advanced military jet trainer aircraft, the Hawk Lead-In fighter. You will learn skills in inspecting, testing, repairing and modifying aircraft communication, navigation and electronics systems.

Opportunities for our Apprenticeship program will be advertised as they become available.

Internships

Are you looking to gain industry experience that aligns to your academic studies or career goals?

We offer internships for undergraduate university students who are in their second to last year of study.

Paid internships with us usually run for 12 weeks over summer from mid-November to mid-February to align with university breaks.

Key features of the program include:

• 12 week structured (and paid) internship over the summer season
• Opportunities to collaborate with Interns and Graduates across the country
• Establish learning goals and performance evaluation at the end of the 12-week placement
• End of internship presentation opportunity to share key learnings and achievements
• Early consideration for graduate opportunities

Career Trackers First Nations University Internships

We have also teamed up with not-for-profit organisation Career Trackers to provide internships for ten First Nations university students each year. This program provides opportunities for emerging:

• mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineers;
• system, software and hardware engineers; and
• project management, human resources, finance, supply chain and information management and technology personnel.

These internships are available as winter and summer placements and are based at various sites across Australia.

How to apply? – Graduate & Early Careers | BAE Systems

Graduate Programs

We are recognised as one of Australia’s top 100 graduate employers by Grad Australia, and within the top 100 by GradConnection.

We offer graduate positions that provide first-hand experience working on a range of real-world defence projects. Opportunities exist across varied disciplines including engineering, information technology, human resources, finance and project management.

We welcome applications from students in their final year at university, or graduates who have already completed a degree and are looking for their next career move.

Program structure

Our 2+1 graduate program structure will provide you with two years of structured development followed by a third year focused on leadership, innovation and development activities that relate to the direction you would like to take your career.

Our graduate program consists of two streams and depending on the needs of the business, you may have a choice between:

Stream 1 – You will work on one project or in one department for the duration of your program. As a result, you’ll enjoy stability and the opportunity to develop deep knowledge of a particular area.

Stream 2 – You will undertake three, one year placements in different areas of our business. This provides broad experience and exposure to support your career growth.

Whichever stream you join, you can be assured your career will be off to a great start.

Your graduate experience

Join our 2+1 graduate program and you will work alongside and learn from the industry experts.

Our goal is to equip you with a range of skills and experiences and a support network that enables you to build a successful career within our business and within your preferred discipline.

Not only will you be supported by your line manager and broader team, you will work under the guidance of a career mentor and have a tailored career plan. You will be provided with extensive training and development opportunities and a competitive annually reviewed salary.

Our graduate program provides meaningful and challenging work within an inclusive and respectful environment.

You will enjoy regular engagement with other graduates and an opportunity to join your peers from across the country at our graduate conference. These activities are led by our National Graduate Committee who regularly communicate with each cohort to ensure a sense of community within the program.

At the completion of your graduate program you will be supported to transition into an ongoing permanent position and continue on your exciting career journey.

How to apply? – Graduate & Early Careers | BAE Systems

Life at BAE Systems

BAE Systems employees come to work with a view, a perspective and a passion for excellence that is unique and valuable. How we embrace different thought processes, behaviours, backgrounds, cultures and experiences, effects our performance.

We are committed to becoming an industry leader in terms of diversity and inclusion. Addressing gender balance, promoting diversity and creating more flexible working options is a key focus. BAE Systems Australia was the first Australian defence company to detail our commitments to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and the wider communities in which we operate. We launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in March 2016.

Safety is also a priority and an important part of our culture. We are committed to protecting the safety of our employees, our environment and our communities. We actively support our local communities through sponsorships and giving programs that align with our business and values.

We are proud of the men and women who have served our country and are grateful for their sacrifice. This is why we partner with organisations like Soldier On, Right Management, RSL, AVEC, Helping Hero’s, Working Spirit and Defence Families Australia to support the transition, health, employment and rehabilitation of Australia’s veterans, service personnel and their families.

History of Nulka

Our engineers make M113 armoured vehicles autonomous!

Your Career & Benefits

A career full of potential and an experience waiting to happen.

Joining our business will give you access to a world of opportunity and within our strong team culture you will enjoy benefits such as extensive training and development programs, mentoring, volunteering opportunities, an employee share scheme, performance recognition awards, flexible working options, purchased leave program, discounted rates on leisure travel, generous parental leave and much more.

Why Join Us?

At BAE Systems Australia, we’re all about you and your unique talents. No matter where you are in your career journey, we’ve got some awesome opportunities and perks waiting just for you.

We’re not your average workplace. We’re all about diversity and creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Imagine a place where you’re encouraged to do incredible things and put your unique skills to good use while keeping Australia safe – sounds good, right? Here’s how we support you:

• FRESH CHALLENGES! Exciting challenges are our thing. We’ve got opportunities that will kickstart your career, help it grow, and push your extraordinary abilities to the max.
• ONGOING LEARNING! We’re all in on education and keeping you engaged. Our goal is to help you unlock your full potential and have a successful career that goes the distance with us.
• CELEBRATE DIVERSITY! Our team is as diverse as it gets. We’re working hard to become the go-to choice for safeguarding Australia’s defence and national security.

Flexibility & Leave

We provide flexible work options to help you advance your career while maintaining a work-life balance. These include:

1. Part-time work
2. Condensed work hours
3. Remote work from home

We also offer additional leave options and support for meaningful life and cultural events:

• Up to 4 weeks of purchased leave
• 3 days of leave to get married
• 2 days of volunteer leave
• Military leave for ADF reservists
• Other leave options for study, blood donation, emergency services, sporting events, and jury duty.

Additionally, we offer attractive salary and packaging opportunities, including:

• Company shares through our International Profit Share Scheme
• Novated lease vehicles and electric bikes
• Corporate discounts on travel and accommodation.

Career Development

We empower you to shape your unique career journey, regardless of your life stage. We provide a toolkit of support, including on-the-job training, mentorship, leadership programs, and structured development opportunities.

We also encourage “squiggly” career moves within our company, opening new horizons!

Here’s how we make it happen:

• Your supervisor will guide you in crafting and refining your personalised career plan through regular discussions.
• The Performance Development Review (PDR) is a vital tool that helps translate our strategic priorities into personal objectives, ensuring a clear vision of success.
• Our mentoring program
• A variety of learning opportunities, both on-the-job and online, all within BAE Systems.

Your Health & Wellbeing

We’ve got you and your family covered with various services and benefits, all geared towards your health and well-being.

We’re here to support you not only at work but in all aspects of your life:

1. Flu Shots: We offer free flu vaccinations to our employees each year.
2. Eye Care and Prescription Glasses: Enjoy discounts and special offers on eye checks and spectacles through our partnership with Specsavers.
3. Gym Membership: Access over 70 health and fitness facilities nationwide at a single, affordable membership rate.
4. Health Insurance: Take advantage of discounted health insurance and other perks with our corporate health partners, including Bupa, HCF, and Medibank.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program is a confidential counselling service available to you and your immediate family.

It’s here to provide support for a wide range of personal and career-related concerns, such as:

• Building positive relationships
• Effective intra/inter-team or interpersonal communication
• Coping with life’s challenges and managing pressures
• Dealing with grief and loss
• Enhancing resilience and emotional well-being
• Addressing mental health concerns and challenges
• Managing changes in your work and personal life

Diversity at BAE

A diverse workforce inspires creativity and drives innovation. We respect and value the variety of skills, abilities and perspectives that people from all walks of life can bring to our business!

We recruit and develop talent from all backgrounds, championing the strength that a genuinely inclusive and collaborative workplace gives to our company culture and performance.

We want our people to feel like they matter and add value at work. We seek out and celebrate:

• Diverse ideas and opinions.
• Role models of inclusive behaviour.
• New approaches to our work and projects.

We do this in several proactive ways, including the following programs, opportunities and partnerships:

• Community Partnerships
• Legacy
• Diversity Council Australia
• Soldier On
• Stars Foundation
• Work180 – endorsed employer for all women
• Career centre alliance
• Australian Veteran Employers Coalition
• Job access – Driving disability employment
• Veterans Employment
• Volunteering

Women in STEM

We are committed to achieving gender balance. We belong to the WORK180 network as an endorsed employer for women.

 We currently employ about 18,000 women globally — equivalent to 22% of our total workforce — but our goal is to attract many more women to join us at all levels of our organisation and across all parts of our business.

Our Family Flexible Benefits support our commitment to helping women thrive in the workplace.

First Nations Peoples

We aim to maintain respectful and sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We develop meaningful reconciliation outcomes through employment, procurement and community consultation opportunities.

Our current reconciliation action plan details our aspirations to support First Nations peoples, businesses and communities.

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group

We invite our employees to be part of our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group to help drive forward our commitments to our plan.

This national working group comprises a group of employees passionate about understanding the historical, political and social factors and challenges that impact our First Nations communities, with a strong interest in advancing First Nations-related issues.

Veterans

We are proud of those who have served our country and are grateful for their sacrifice. We are committed to supporting the health, employment and rehabilitation of Australia’s veterans, service personnel and their families.

 We actively hire veterans for the wealth of knowledge, experience and skills they bring to all areas of our business. They are uniquely placed to help us better understand the needs of our customers.

Women in STEM

With technology and science becoming one of the most important skills for economic growth, Australian girls and women are still significantly underrepresented in STEM education and careers.

No one understands this better than BAE Systems CEO Gabby Costigan, who a leading example of how women can excel in STEM careers.

Gabby’s grew up wanting to fly helicopters for the Defence Force, however at that time female pilots were not permitted, so instead, she decided to fix them. Gabby completed an engineering degree and worked for the ADF across design, systems and project engineering.

After more than 20 years in the Army Gabby was able to transfer her skills into a civilian career and today she leads the biggest Defence Company in Australia, delivering skills and capability to our customer, the Australian Defence Force.

BAE Systems supports women in STEM by sponsorship events such as the Women in Aviation Awards and Women in Industry Awards etc. We are currently exploring opportunities for further education for females wishing to pursue a career in STEM.

STEM | Edinburgh Air Show | BAE Systems Australia

Awards

Top Graduate Employer

The Australian Association of Graduate Employers, 2022

Resources