Defence Graduate Program – Research and Innovation Stream

As one of Australia’s largest employers of scientists and engineers, DST delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.

DST’s vision is to be a world leader in defence science and technology – indispensable in transforming the ADF and Australia’s national security.

Headed by the Chief Defence Scientist, DST has an annual budget of approximately $408 million and employ approximately 2300 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians. DST has a presence in nearly every state and territory in Australia, with the national headquarters situated in Canberra, and research facilities in Melbourne, Edinburgh (in the northern suburbs of Adelaide), Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, HMAS Stirling at Rockingham (near Perth), Scottsdale in Tasmania, and Innisfail in northern Queensland.

DST works closely with industry, universities and the scientific community to enhance their combined ability to support Australia’s defence and national security capabilities and to contribute to national wealth.

As part of the Defence Graduate Program, the Research and Innovation (R&I) stream is a dedicated Science and Technology pathway that leads to graduate employment at DST.

The R&I program consists of two-rotations (8 & 4 months) across major science and technology capability areas within DST or more broadly in Defence and provides graduates with the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt through their undergraduate degree to real-life, cutting-edge Defence research programs.

Candidates must have completed a minimum of a relevant Honours degree with no more than 2-years relevant experience and want to further develop their research skills through a DST supported PhD in the future.

DST has graduate opportunities available in the following discipline areas:

• Aerospace/ Aeronautical Engineering, and Naval Architecture
• Computer Sciences, IT, Software Engineering, Telecommunications
• Electronic/ Electrical Engineering
• Psychology and Social Sciences
• Materials Science
• Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (including robotics)
• Chemical, Radiological, Biological and Food sciences
• Mathematics and physics

Depending on your degree, Research and Innovation Stream graduates can expect to work on a number of cutting edge, challenging and varied roles including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning
• Cyber Security Data Research
• Software and security systems
• Autonomous systems
• Space systems
• Data Analytics
• Mathematical modelling
• Radar and sonar systems
• Human Factors and Performance

Quick Details

Salary: APS 4; $67,100 pa + 15.4% super. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will advance to APS 4: $76,215 + 15.4% superannuation
Program: 12 months - 1 x 8 month rotation, 1 x 4 month rotation
Eligibility: Australian Citizens only
Location: Various across Australia