Aviation Engineering Officer (Aeronautical)
Drawing on your expertise and training in Aeronautical Engineering, you’ll lead a team of highly trained soldiers responsible for ensuring the availability of Army’s advanced fleet of rotary-wing aircraft. You’ll get to work on advanced aircraft such as the AH-64E Apache, UH-60M Black Hawk, CH-47F Chinook and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
With new aircraft acquisitions currently in progress and the constant demand for helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems to support Army operations, you’ll get to work on a range of exciting projects over the course of your career. Specifically, you’ll be engaged in a range of maintenance, logistics and engineering management functions relating to Army’s fleet of helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems.
What you'll do
Your first posting will be to an Army aviation squadron or an Army aircraft program office as a junior engineer. In addition to gaining hands-on experience with aircraft, you’ll play an important role in managing the maintenance team and ensuring helicopter airworthiness and availability is maintained. Working as an engineer in an aviation squadron, you may also have opportunities to lead a maintenance team in support of international aviation operations. The recent acquisition of the AH-64E Apache and UH-60M Black Hawk has required many Army Aviation Engineering Officers to work as project engineers both within Australia and as part of our resident team in the United States of America.
Additional employment opportunities lie in engineering and maintenance planning, flight test engineering and project management. Army’s Aviation Engineering Officers also perform logistic management and design engineering roles within the Army Aviation Systems Branch. Opportunities within this area may include the implementation of a modification program for Army helicopters and approving structural repair designs for aircraft. Army Aviation Engineering Officers also have a range of opportunities for overseas travel and/or postgraduate study.
Your duties may include:
- leading maintenance teams
- maintenance and logistics planning
- engineering operations management
- engineering management and logistics
- design-related tasks
- project management
- implementing modification programs
- project management of large-scale modification programs
- General soldiering duties in the barracks, field, and embarked environments.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Army will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Army.
As an officer in the Army, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
In addition, the Army sponsors your membership of Engineers Australia (EA) and participation in a Graduate Development Program run in co-operation with EA. Through participation in this program, you could achieve Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status.
Following training, you could be posted to one of the following locations:
- 1st Aviation Regiment – ARH Tiger and AH-64E Apache platforms, Townsville, Qld
- 5th Aviation Regiment – CH-47F Chinook platform, Townsville, Qld
- 6th Aviation Regiment – UH-60M Black Hawk platform, Sydney, NSW
- 20th Regiment, The Royal Australian Artillery – Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Brisbane, Qld
- Army Aviation Systems Branch – capability acquisition and aircraft through life support, Brisbane, Qld
- Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section – flight test engineering and evaluation, Oakey, Qld
- Battlefield Aviation Program – aviation acquisition and capability management, Canberra, ACT
- Defence Aviation Safety Authority – helicopter structural integrity management, Melbourne, VIC
- Headquarters 16th Aviation Brigade – Aviation Brigade Headquarters, Townsville, Qld
- Headquarters Army Aviation Command – airworthiness and capability management, Brisbane, Qld
- Rotary wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) – Technician Training School, Oakey, Qld.
Discover where the Army 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 to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 51 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 with passes in English, Maths, a Physics-based subject and one other board developed course (or state equivalent) obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the relevant degree program
Note: As well as applying to the Army for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as theArmy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Officer Cadets can leave ADFA at any time within their first 2 years. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
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): 45
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 45
- Push-ups: 15
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a 2-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. 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 any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
You'll attend ADFA to complete your university studies over 3 years. You'll also complete the following military training around your study commitments.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It's made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA's JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service's contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Army SST gives you the opportunity to experience life in the Army and gain core Army leadership, technical and field skills.
- Combat fitness.
- Field craft.
- Leadership training.
- Radio communications.
- Work experience.
- Weapon handling.
After graduating from ADFA you'll join your direct-entry peers at the Royal Military College - Duntroon to complete the Officer Commissioning Program (OCP).
Having already completed the equivalent of the first semester of the OCP at ADFA, you'll join your direct entry peers for the final 2 semesters, each 6 months in duration.
Course: Officer Commissioning Program
Duration: 12 months
Location: Royal Military College - Duntroon, Canberra, ACT
While attending RMC-D, you'll be appointed as a Staff Cadet, organised into a Battalion known as the Corps of Staff Cadets. As a Staff Cadet, you'll be immersed in military life and culture. You'llalready have completed the equivalent of the first semester of the OCP during ADFA, therefore, you'llonly need to complete the final 2 semesters of the OCP, each approximately 6 months in duration.
The training program for the final 2 semesters includes:
- Foundation Leadership - will prepare you for your first appointment through exposure to military leadership and applied leadership
- Foundation Warfighting - develop knowledge of foundation warfighting in the contemporary operating environment through platoon-level tactical actions
- Foundation Military Planning - learn about critical thinking and planning in an operational context and command experience in a 'simulated' environment
- Foundation Command - gain the necessary skills and knowledge to support training and administrative processes in a unit environment using your ethical framework.
After graduating as a Lieutenant, you'll be assigned to one of the Army's specialised branches, known as Corps, where you'll put what you've learned into practice. Initially, you'll be required to complete in-service Corps training and familiarisation. Then you may find yourself taking troops on deployment, through field exercises, physical training drills, or managing any number of vital Army functions.
During RMC Military Training, you may be required to pay a contribution towards your meals, accommodation and utilities.
Course: Logistics Officer Basic Course (LOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Army Logistics Training Centre, Bandiana, Vic
The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces you to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Vic.
Course: Aviation Engineering Officer Training Continuum
Duration: Over a 12-month period
Location: Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC), Oakey, Qld and RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
This course includes:
- Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C) Course (6 weeks). This course is located at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. You’ll learn about workshop processes, aviation safety regulations, maintenance planning and ADF aviation documentation.
- Aircraft System Manager (SYSMAN) Course (2 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. You’ll learn the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for your posting. These include the AH-64E Apache, UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook aircraft.
- Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Course (5 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. In this course, you’ll hone the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC and learn to apply them to an Army aviation-specific environment.
You’ll be encouraged to continuously improve your qualifications and may be eligible to access further training opportunities over the course of your career. This may include a master’s degree or postgaduate certificate in Science (Flight Test Engineers Course). Each year an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Aviation Officer is selected to conduct the course in the UK, USA or Canada.
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 to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
The minimum requirement for entry into this role is an engineering degree permitting graduate membership to Engineers Australia (EA) as a professional engineer.
The following is a list of preferred Bachelor of Engineering degrees:
- Aerospace/Aeronautical
- Avionics
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Software.
Engineering degrees other than those listed will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You can apply if you’re in the final year of your degree and have your complete academic transcript. You’ll then need successful results in your final semester before your appointment to the role.
Some degree-qualified officers will start their careers at one rank higher that non-graduate officers. Please speak to your Careers Coach for further information.
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.
Male
- Push-ups: 8
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 6.1.
Female
- Push-ups: 4
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC)
Duration: 25 days
Location: Royal Military College – Duntroon, Canberra, ACT
You’ll learn fundamental knowledge of:
- leadership and military justice
- weapons handling
- command and control
- unit and personnel administration
- basic military skills
- the ideals of officer behaviour
- attitudes necessary for future employment.
This course is delivered in 2 parts for both full-time and part-time (Reserve) Officers.
- Part 1 – 10 days
- Part 2 – 15 days.
Course: Logistics Officer Basic Course (LOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Army Logistics Training Centre, Bandiana, Vic
The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces you to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Vic.
Course: Aviation Engineering Officer Training Continuum
Duration: Over a 12-month period
Location: Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC), Oakey, Qld and RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
This course includes:
- Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C) Course (6 weeks). This course is located at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. You’ll learn about workshop processes, aviation safety regulations, maintenance planning and ADF aviation documentation.
- Aircraft System Manager (SYSMAN) Course (2 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. You’ll learn the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for your posting. These include the AH-64E Apache, UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook aircraft.
- Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Course (5 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. In this course, you’ll hone the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC and learn to apply them to an Army aviation-specific environment.
You’ll be encouraged to continuously improve your qualifications and may be eligible to access further training opportunities over the course of your career. This may include a master’s degree or postgraduate certificate in Science (Flight Test Engineers Course). Each year an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Aviation Officer is selected to conduct the course in the UK, USA or Canada.
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 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Army will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
For Army DUS sponsorship, you’ll need to have completed one year of an Australian university, Engineers Australia-accredited 4-year engineering degree (or 18 months of a 5-year program) prior to receiving sponsorship, so it’s recommended that you apply for DUS after you’ve completed your first semester and have received your results. Your sponsorship starts from the date of your appointment into the Army, it doesn’t cover any previous semesters of study.
The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not in this list will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Bachelor of Engineering in:
- Aerospace/Aeronautical
- Avionics
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Software.
Please note, if you’re studying a double degree, you’ll only receive funding for your Engineering degree.
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.
Male
- Push-ups: 8
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 6.1.
Female
- Push-ups: 4
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 4 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment 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.
Course: Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC)
Duration: 25 days
Location: Royal Military College – Duntroon, Canberra, ACT
You’ll learn fundamental knowledge of:
- leadership and military justice
- weapons handling
- command and control
- unit and personnel administration
- basic military skills
- the ideals of officer behaviour
- attitudes necessary for future employment.
This course is delivered in 2 parts for both full-time and part-time (Reserve) Officers.
- Part 1 – 10 days
- Part 2 – 15 days.
Course: Logistics Officer Basic Course (LOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Army Logistics Training Centre, Bandiana, Vic
The Logistics Officers Basic Course introduces you to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Corps methodology and practices. This course will equip you to fulfil the demands of your first appointments within the Corps and concentrates on administration and field operations of RAEME units and other logistics units. The course is conducted at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana, Vic.
Course: Aviation Engineering Officer Training Continuum
Duration: Over a 12-month period
Location: Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC), Oakey, Qld and RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
This course includes:
- Aerospace Engineer Initial-Common (AEI-C) Course (6 weeks). This course is located at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. You’ll learn about workshop processes, aviation safety regulations, maintenance planning and ADF aviation documentation.
- Aircraft System Manager (SYSMAN) Course (2 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. You’ll learn the specific technical detail regarding the appropriate aircraft platform for your posting. These include the AH-64E Apache, UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook aircraft.
- Army Aerospace Engineering Officer Course (5 weeks). This course is located at Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Qld. In this course, you’ll hone the skills and knowledge gained on the AEI-C and LOBC and learn to apply them to an Army aviation-specific environment.
You’ll be encouraged to continuously improve your qualifications and may be eligible to access further training opportunities over the course of your career. This may include a master’s degree or postgraduate certificate in Science (Flight Test Engineers Course). Each year an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Aviation Officer is selected to conduct the course in the UK, USA or Canada.