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Graduate and
early careers
We provide opportunities for graduates, 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.
Graduate programInternshipsApprenticeships / traineeshipsStories / testimonials Events
Your career at BAE Systems Australia
Graduate stories
Graduate program
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
Depending on the needs of the business, our graduate program may be offered in one of two streams. In some cases, a choice of stream may also be available.
Stream One
You will work with one project or department for the duration of your program. As a result, you’ll enjoy stability and the opportunity to develop deep knowledge of that domain.
Stream Two
You will undertake three, one year placements. As a graduate in this stream, you will develop appreciation and knowledge of different areas in the business while you explore which appeals most to you.
Whichever stream you join, you can be assured that your career will be off to a great start.
Your graduate experience
Join our three-year graduate program and you will work alongside and learn from the industry’s most innovative thinkers.
You will enjoy a bespoke career plan, a dedicated graduate program support manager, on-the-job training and development, regular engagement with a mentor and the opportunity to collaborate with graduates across the country. You will also receive an annually reviewed, competitive salary.
At the completion of your graduate program, you will be supported to transition into a more senior role within the business.
We want you to bring your skills and mindset to challenge established ways of working and to contribute new ideas to the way we work across various business areas.
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 with your preferred discipline.
We are recognised as one of Australia's top 100 graduate employers by Grad Australia, and within the top 100 by GradConnection.
How to apply
Applications for our graduate program generally open in March each year, with most applications closing mid to late April.
We often advertise additional graduate positions outside of this window and applications for some roles will remain open or will be re-opened.Sometimes we will ask for ‘expressions of interest’ prior to officially advertising graduate positions.
To apply, you will need to be an Australian citizen and eligible for Australian defence security clearance.
We may offer some candidates opportunities in other roles within our business that align to their studies, experience or transferable skills.
Our talent acquisition team appreciates the time and effort that you put into your application and recruitment activities.
Search for opportunities
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.
Your intern experience
You’ll gain real-world experience in areas such as engineering, finance, project management, human resources or commerce.
Our internship program will provide you with the opportunity to explore your chosen field and learn what skills, capability, experience and knowledge are required to be successful in this area.
You will be provided with structured learning goals to guide you through your internship and have the opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders within the business, team members, graduates and other interns across Australia.
At the end of your internship, you will receive a performance evaluation and will also have the opportunity to share your key learnings and achievements with your team.
By completing an internship with us, you will receive early consideration for future graduate opportunities.
How to apply
Applications for our summer internships open in August with placements commencing in November at various locations across Australia.
We may advertise additional internships at other times and applications for some roles will remain open or will re-open.
Expressions of interest may be open at any time. You are encouraged to register as you will receive notification when applications are open.
Expressions of interestSearch for 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.
Apprentice and trainee programs
We recruit diverse teams of driven individuals who share our passion to design, build and support systems that help defend our nation.
Our apprenticeship programs vary from one to three years and will give you the chance to earn while you learn, gain industry recognised qualifications and valuable experience working on real world projects, alongside subject matter experts.
Apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities exist across various areas of our business, such as software engineering, electrical engineering, project management, maintenance, finance, business, aircraft maintenance, welding, mechanical engineering, management, design and sheet metal.
Your experience
Right from the start, you’ll be assigned a buddy to help you find your feet as well as your very own career mentor; someone who is experienced and will help guide you through the early stages of your career.
You'll work with the best people the industry has to offer and have the support of a friendly, close-knit community.
We'll invest heavily in your training; through both structured and informal development.
You’ll have the freedom and support to shape a career path that is uniquely yours. That may mean exposure to several different projects or increasing your skills in a chosen area.
Your performance will be formally reviewed regularly giving you an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance on areas for improvement.
You will work towards completing an industry leading qualification that will set you up for a successful career.
So why not come and join us, and be part of our friendly, collaborative culture - where everyone makes their mark.
Search for opportunities
Events
You will find us at various career and STEM events across Australia. Drop in and say hello and ask us about our graduate roles and early career opportunities.
| Month | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March | Australian National University STEM Speeding Network | Canberra |
| March | Australian National University Engineering Students Association Careers Fair | Canberra |
| March | STEM Careers for Women | Online |
| March | University of Adelaide Career Expo | Adelaide |
| March | University of Newcastle Employment Expo | Newcastle |
| March | Engineers Australia (Elevation) | Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney |
| March | The Big Meet | Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney |
| March | Australian Maritime College industry events - University of Tasmania | Online |
| April | Adelaide University Engineering Society Industry Night | Adelaide |
| May | Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo | Adelaide |
| July | Melbourne Career Expo | Melbourne |
| August | STEM Careers for Women | Online |
| August | Perth SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo | Perth |
| August | UniSA Open Day and Careers in Defence panel session | Adelaide |
| September | Virtual careers event | Online |
