Aerospace Engineer Officer
As an Aerospace Engineer Officer, you’ll manage the maintenance, airworthiness and warfare capability of the Navy's helicopters. Working onboard and ashore, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that Navy aircrew have safe and capable aircraft for operations and missions.
What you'll do
You’ll perform a wide range of functions to ensure Navy helicopters remain airworthy and mission ready. Over the course of your career, you’ll develop expertise in helicopter structures, engines, aerodynamics, electrical systems, communication systems, navigation systems, weapons systems, software and more.
Working closely with command, you’ll project manage the acquisition of new aircraft and equipment, audit Navy maintenance standards to ensure they remain up to date and lead and manage a team of Navy technicians among other duties. When at sea, you’ll also perform a range of officer duties that contribute to the running of the ship.
Your duties may include:
- auditing maintenance standards
- capability life cycle management
- engineering management encompassing design work, certification, fleet management, logistics management and contract management
- instructing and managing aviation training
- leading and managing a team of aviation technicians
- managing the sustainment of Navy's helicopters from their introduction into service through to their disposal
- project management for the acquisition of new aircraft and equipment
- policy and regulation development
- trialling and testing aircraft design changes and new aircraft.
As an officer, you'll also perform additional general duties, including:
- team administration and management
- mentoring junior officers and sailors, including career advice
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Navy 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 Navy allowing you to face any challenge, either at sea or ashore.
As an officer in the Navy, 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. You’ll also have opportunities to undertake specialist roles in safety investigation, flight test engineering or aircraft structural integrity management.
In addition, the Navy 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 status.
Following initial employment training, you’ll be posted to HMAS Albatross Naval Air Station in Nowra, New South Wales for consolidation in the Fleet Air Arm. As you advance, postings outside Nowra will become likely and you may even be posted onboard the Navy's amphibious assault ships. Opportunities also exist for short periods (4 - 6 months) of operational service overseas.
Discover where the Navy 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 and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the Bachelor of Engineering program at UNSW.
Note: As well as applying to the Navy 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 the Navy 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.
Navy Midshipmen can leave ADFA at any time within their first year. 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 Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination. A condition of entry is that you’ll be tested for a variety of viral infections, including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The presence of any of these infections could affect your application.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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.
For ADFA officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, you may resign up until the graduation day of your first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then 2 years of Navy 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 any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Depending on your date of entry, you may complete work experience while awaiting the start of the ADFA semester to commence your ADFA studies.
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
Navy SST furthers your skills, knowledge and attributes gained in your first year in the Navy, and provides you the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in your chosen specialisation.
- Degree related work experience.
- Navy culture and traditions.
- Professional development work experience and outplacements.
- Seamanship and mariner skills.
- Teamwork and leadership.
Degree Training
You’ll undertake a 4-year engineering degree program, combined with ongoing military skills training.
Course: Initial Navy Engineering Practice
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
All Navy Engineer Officers will complete Initial Navy Engineering Practice (INEP). This course covers general aspect of practice applicable to engineering in the Navy.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Officers Application Course
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW
This course covers engineering practice applicable to aircraft in operation with the Navy, including aircraft maintenance, aircraft administration procedures and airworthiness theory and principles.
Once you have completed your employment training, you’ll be posted to one of 3 operational Navy squadrons to commence consolidation training. This on-job training takes approximately 9 months. Upon completion you’ll attempt the Aerospace Engineering Officer Certificate of Competence (AEOCC) board, in order to be recognised as having completed your 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 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.
Engineering degrees not listed here will be considered on a case-by-case basis:
- Aeronautical
- Aerospace
- Avionics
- Biomedical engineering (program dependent)
- Computer Engineering / Computer Systems
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Instrumentation, control and automation
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 3 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: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Initial Navy Engineering Practice
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
All Navy Engineer Officers will complete Initial Navy Engineering Practice (INEP). This course covers general aspect of practice applicable to engineering in the Navy.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Officers Application Course
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW
This course covers engineering practice applicable to aircraft in operation with the Navy, including aircraft maintenance, aircraft administration procedures and airworthiness theory and principles.
Once you have completed your employment training, you’ll be posted to one of 3 operational Navy squadrons to commence consolidation training. This on-job training takes approximately 9 months. Upon completion you’ll attempt the Aerospace Engineering Officer Certificate of Competence (AEOCC) board, in order to be recognised as having completed your 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 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.
Engineering degrees not listed here will be considered on a case-by-case basis:
- Aeronautical
- Aerospace
- Avionics
- Biomedical engineering (program dependent)
- Computer Engineering / Computer Systems
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Instrumentation, control and automation
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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) commencing from your date of appointment. This is calculated as either two times the length of your academic sponsorship plus one year or the total length of your academic sponsorship plus the officer entry initial minimum period of service for the same role (whichever is the greater).
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, NSW
This course is conducted upon joining and will provide you with an insight into life in the Navy including:
- expectations of a junior officer
- how to salute and march
- an introduction to Navy and compliance training
- issuing of uniforms and Navy identification
- swim test
- fitness test.
Upon completion of your university degree, you’ll complete the New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC).
Degree Training
You’ll complete your 4-year engineering degree at your current university.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Initial Navy Engineering Practice
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
All Navy Engineer Officers will complete Initial Navy Engineering Practice (INEP). This course covers general aspect of practice applicable to engineering in the Navy.
Course: Aerospace Engineering Officers Application Course
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW
This course covers engineering practice applicable to aircraft in operation with the Navy, including aircraft maintenance, aircraft administration procedures and airworthiness theory and principles.
Once you have completed your employment training, you’ll be posted to one of 3 operational Navy squadrons to commence consolidation training. This on-job training takes approximately 9 months. Upon completion you’ll attempt the Aerospace Engineering Officer Certificate of Competence (AEOCC) board, in order to be recognised as having completed your training.