Cyber Systems Specialist
As a Cyber Systems Specialist, you’ll work in range of different environments, from Air Force offices to airfields, in a challenging and rewarding role. You’ll perform a range of vital networking and technical functions, such as providing mission support to flying squadrons, and ensuring that tactical air and ground communications are operating effectively. By operating and maintaining the Air Force’s end-to-end cyberspace systems and capabilities, you’ll play an important role in defending Australia’s national security.
What you'll do
In this highly diverse role, you’ll provide secure management of the Air Force’s networks and air, space, cyber and ground operations from a variety of locations. These include office environments and high security areas to aircraft tarmacs and hangars.
You’ll have opportunities to work across a range of specialist areas, on some of the world’s most technologically advanced equipment, including:
- mission support for F-35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft
- assuring tactical air/ground communications
- network and cyberspace support to protect the ADF’s software and networks.
Your duties may include:
- providing mission support to flying squadrons and air operations, including F-35A Lightning II, P-8A Poseidon, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, as well as operational satellite links
- generating, maintaining and certifying interconnected cyberspace systems
- assuring tactical air/ground communications
- ensuring compatibility across Air Force, ADF and coalition Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems
- maintaining network security
- ICT coordination, including planning, coordinating, and providing software, cyberspace and networking support
- ensuring the integrity, auditability and security of Air Force voice and data networks
- maintaining and accrediting end-to-end cyberspace systems.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and help you to lead teams of aviators in future.
You may be posted to Air Force bases and other Defence establishments within Australia, as well as limited overseas opportunities.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in Year 10 English and Maths.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
You’ll be required to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance prior to commencement of Initial Employment Training (IET). As this role requires Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) clearance, you’ll be required to apply for NV2 clearance prior to the commencement of IET.
Course: Air Force Recruit Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
During this training, you'll transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.
The major elements of the course include:
- personal development and teamwork
- parade drill
- weapon handling and firing
- airfield defence
- fire fighting
- physical fitness
- Air Force history, customs and traditions
- military law.
After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.
Course: Cyber Systems Specialist Initial Course
Duration: 33 weeks (subject to change)
Location: Defence Force School of Signals (DFSS), Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Vic
You’ll attend the DFSS and learn a range of skills required for your role as Cyber Systems Specialist, such as:
- networking and cyberspace
- radio frequency fundamentals
- satellite systems
- server administration and configuration
- routing and switching essentials
- cybersecurity
- network information assurance and configuration management
- Defence technical regulatory awareness
- basic electronics.
As a Cyber Systems Specialist, you’ll benefit from a dedicated learning and development program in line with ADF expectations and aligned with industry standards. You’ll continue to grow your technical development and skills in line with rank progression.