Graduates can bring their unique skills and experiences to make their mark in a world of opportunity at Defence. Roles in the Technical Pathway work on some of the largest national acquisition and sustainment projects at Defence, like:
- fighter aircraft
- Navy ships
- soldier systems
- the nation’s nuclear-powered submarines.
The Technical Pathway gives graduates the experience of working in one of Australia’s largest program management, logistics and engineering organisations.
The Technical Pathway includes support to undertake industry-recognised learning and development opportunities.
Degrees
Refer to the degree disciplines list located on the Eligibility requirements page.
Salary
All successful candidates will commence the Graduate Program on a salary of $79,176 plus 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
Graduates advance to a higher salary after successfully completing the program. The salary increase depends on which training pathway is completed.
Defence is committed to enabling an enjoyable work-life balance through:
- a generous remuneration package
- conditions of service
- flexible work arrangements
- leave benefits.
Location
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Williamtown.
Duration
12 - 18 months
Roles
Applicants to the Technical Pathway need to nominate one of these areas of interest in the application form.
Cyber
Cyber roles support the implementation of the Defence Cyber Security Strategy.
Engineering
Engineering roles:
- work on complex and nationally significant acquisition and sustainment projects.
- manage and perform systems engineering focused activities.
- plan, facilitate and assure confidence in the delivery of engineering outcomes for Defence.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT roles:
- tackle Defence’s technology challenges and tailor innovative solutions.
- be a subject matter expert in cyber security, IT architecture or ICT policy and strategy.
- support Defence operations around the world.
Logistics
Provide logistics support across the life-cycle of a project or capability. This means being involved in strategy and concepts, to acquisition, transition into service, sustainment, upgrades and disposal.
Project management
Project management roles:
- work in diverse project teams that deliver nationally significant projects.
- experience projects unparalleled in size, cost, timescale, risk profile and level of technological complexity.