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Aerospace Engineer - Software

Youll work on some of the newest helicopters in the country and be responsible for the design, construction and testing
of large software systems to enhance Army's Aviation capabilities alongside a talented and supportive team. It doesnt
get much better.

Additional Information
IN BRIEF
If you're an aspiring software engineer, here's an exciting opportunity to apply your skills to high-tech helicopters. The
maintenance, logistics and management functions you engage with in this job will be critical to ensuring aircraft
airworthiness and availability. Your task will be to employ state-of-the-art concepts and cutting edge methodology in the
specification, design, construction, testing and documentation of large-scale software systems.

LIFESTYLE
Life in the Army is rich and rewarding. Your work could take you across Australia and even overseas. You'll have
memorable experiences such as joining disaster-relief missions and participating in combat operations. You will gain skills
and confidence in a supportive team environment and make friends for life. You'll also have access to extensive sport and
leisure facilities ensuring a good work/life balance.

TRAINING
The Army provides world-class leadership, military and professional training, plus many opportunities for ongoing career
development. Fitness training will also be a part of your job, as you'll need to be in good physical shape to carry out your
duties safely and effectively. Click on the Training links below for more detailed information.

WHAT YOU COULD EARN

In the Army you'll receive a competitive salary, generous Super and an excellent range of benefits. You get paid from the
day you start training and your salary will increase with rank and experience.
AEROSPACE ENGINEERS (SOFTWARE)
can earn over
$78,100 p.a.
on completion of initial employment training. This salary includes Uniform and Service allowances and applies to full time
Officer entry.

Job Details
Graduate, Undergraduate
Software engineers in the Australian Army are responsible for employing state of the art concepts, cutting edge

methodology and tools in the specification, design, construction, testing and documentation of large software systems. As a
Software Engineer your responsibilities will include project managing complex and mission critical tasks associated with
maintaining the integrity and operational capability of the second largest aircraft fleet operator, and the largest helicopter
operator in Australia. As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for new and exciting aircraft such as the Armed
Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Chinook, Black Hawk and Multi-Role Helicopter platforms.
As a Software Engineer you will be employed as an officer in the Australian Army with responsibility for the full range of
regimental, engineering specific, and staff duties where your skills can be used to enhance Army Aviations capabilities.
Specifically, Software Engineering Officers are engaged in a range of maintenance, logistics and engineering management
functions relating to our fleet of helicopters. Throughout your career you will receive helicopter specific training to enhance
your understanding of mechanical, electrical, avionics and armament systems on the aircraft.
Your initial employment in the Army would usually be as a junior engineer within a helicopter squadron. In addition to
gaining hands on experience with the aircraft you will 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 the opportunity to lead a maintenance team in support of international aviation operations.
Our Software Engineers also perform logistic management and design engineering roles within the Army Aviation Systems
Program Office. Opportunities within this area may include the implementation of a modification program for Army
helicopters and approving software designs for our aircraft.
Furthermore, the recent acquisition of the Armed Reconnaissance and Multi-Role Helicopters has required many Army
Software Engineers to work as project engineers both within Australia and as part of our resident team in France.
Additional employment opportunities lie in the field of engineering and maintenance planning, flight test engineering and
helicopter simulation. Army Software Engineers also have a range of opportunities for overseas travel and/or post-graduate
study.
With new aircraft acquisitions and the constant demand for helicopters to support Army operations, your career as a
Software Engineering Officer promises to be challenging and extremely rewarding.

Entry
Graduate
If you are already a degree qualified professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge,
and the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills, then you may wish to consider a
career as an Officer (Graduate Only) in the Australian Regular Army.
On appointment as an Officer (Graduate Only) in the Army, you will complete the Specialist Service Officer First
Appointment Course at the Royal Military College Duntroon, ACT. This initial officer course consists of two modules,
Foundation Skills and Basic Officer Skills, completed as one block of training.

Undergraduate
The Australian Regular Army has a continuing need for undergraduates studying for professional and technical vocations.
This need is partly met by the Undergraduate Scheme, and partly by the Graduate Entry Scheme.
The Undergraduate Scheme appoints selected tertiary students as Commissioned Officers and they are sponsored to
complete their studies.

In addition to the payment of a salary while studying, the Undergraduate Scheme provides for tuition fees, Student
Contribution Charges, library and examination fees and the provision of textbooks.

Note: Full-fee paying students can apply for Army Undergraduate Scheme and GMS entry, however sponsorship funding is
limited to the equivalent of full time student contribution band rate for a Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) only. The
remainder of the cost of a full-fee degree is the members responsibility.

If you have further questions about the sponsorship or about life as an Engineering Officer in the ADF, get in touch with a
member from the Specialist Engineering team via email:engineers@dfr.com.au

Pay & Allowances

Graduate
Salary (excluding allowances) on commissioning is $64,612 per year ($2,485 per fortnight).*
UniformAllowance at a rate of $682 peryear ($26 per fortnight) is paid to assist members to maintain an approved scale of
uniforms in good order and condition.
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $13,448 per year ($517 per fortnight) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Refer to the
Salary Scales.
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); or superannuation.

Undergraduate
With 4 years to graduation: $30,603 per year ($1,177 per fortnight).*
With 3 years to graduation: $36,167 per year ($1,391 per fortnight).*
With 2 years to graduation: $41,732 per year ($1,605 per fortnight).*
In final year: $47,296 per year ($1,819 per fortnight).*
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will receive a Uniform Allowance of $419 per
year ($16 per fortnight). This increases to $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) after commissioning.
Salary (excluding allowances) on completion of academic, military and employment training will be:
$64,612 per year ($2,485 per fortnight).*
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $13,448 per year ($517 per fortnight) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your
pay grade may increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training. Refer to the Salary
Scales for further details.
Trainees with dependants may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance which is paid to enable trainees with
dependants to receive a salary not less than $43,766 per year ($1,679 per fortnight) while training. Conditions apply. Speak
to your Careers Counsellor for details.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); or superannuation.

General Requirements

Age Requirement
Graduate
Must be aged between 17 and 56 years inclusive on date of entry.

Undergraduate
The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree and their Return of Service
Obligation incurred under the Scheme prior to compulsory retirement age (normally60 years of age).

Applicants are to have reached 18 years at the date of application for Undergraduate.

Citizenship Requirement
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if
the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and
then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Recruitment Centre or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to obtain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional
Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or
have a checkable background for this period.

Education & Experience

Graduate
You must have completed a four year Bachelor of Engineering degree, usually in one of the following engineering
disciplines:
Computer/Telecommunications;
Computer Systems/Information Systems;
Mechatronics;
Software/Robotics; or
Systems/Technology (Engineering).
You may commence the selection process if you are in the final year of a four year Bachelor of Engineering degree and can
present your completed third year academic transcript. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion of the
final semester of your Engineering degree.
Prior to appointment, your qualifications must be accredited for graduate membership to Engineers Australia (EA), Institute
of Radio and Electronic Engineers (IREEAUST) or other chartered institution recognised to have equivalent professional
status.
Applicants with overseas degrees may be considered where their qualifications are accepted through the Australian
Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI NOOSR).

Undergraduate
You may commence the selection process if you have completed at least 6 months of a four year Bachelor of Engineering
Degree and can present your first Semester academic transcript. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion
of:
A minimum of one full year of study of a Bachelor of Engineering Degree; and

 Have no more than three years of study outstanding to complete all of the requirements for the award of your
Degree; and
Year 12 with passes in English and three other Board of Secondary School Studies registered subjects (Air Force
ONLY).
Applicants attempting Double Degrees will only receive funding allocation for one Degree.
All Undergraduate Engineer applicants must be studying a four year university degree permitting graduate membership of
Engineers Australia as a professional engineer. The following is a list of acceptable disciplines:
Computer/Telecommunications;
Computer Systems/Information Systems;
Mechatronics;
Software/Robotics; or
Systems/Technology (Engineering).
Engineering degrees other than those listed above will be considered on a case by case basis.

Medical & Fitness Requirements

Graduate, Undergraduate
To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially
assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical
examination.
You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness test before enlistment.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer toPhysical Fitness Standards for Entry into the
ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service
Graduate
You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of three years. Subsequent periods of service may be
offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at
any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.
Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Undergraduate
Undergraduates will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service equalling the length of sponsorship, times
two,plus an additional 365 days.

Military Training
Graduate, Undergraduate
Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course
The Specialist Service Officer Course is conducted at the Royal Military College Duntroon and provides Regular and
Reserve Force Specialist Service Officers with fundamental knowledge of leadership, command and control, unit and
personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour and attitudes necessary for future
employment.
The ARA course is 45 day (9 weeks) of training and currently conducted in the first half of the training year. The ARES
course is currently conducted in the latter half of the year and consists of two modules. Module One is 26 days and Module
Two is 16 days. ARES personnel may undertake the two modules separately; however, trainees will not be deemed
competent for employment as an SSO until completion of both modules. The SSO FAC is conducted at RMC and the Majura
Training Area. During the ARES course, trainees will be required to work every day of each module; however, there is one
scheduled day off in Module One.

During RMC (Military Training) members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.
Physical Fitness Levels
All trainees attending training at RMC are required to participate in an Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) on arrival at RMC.
Ares SSOs must complete the IFA for both modules. This is an entry level requirement for all courses conducted at RMC.
The IFA is based on a shuttle run, push ups and sit ups and is designed to determine whether trainees are at the minimum
required standard to complete training at RMC. Due to the unique nature of training at RMC, trainees who do not
demonstrate the base line levels of the assessment may be withdrawn from training and RTU. If you do not pass the IFA,
you will be medically reviewed by the RMC Medical Officer and you will be advised if you are able to continue with training.
For further details on physical fitness standards refer toPhysical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF.

Employment Training
Graduate, Undergraduate
Logistics Officers Basic Course: 8 Weeks
You will be required to attend a Logistics Officers Basic Course at the RAEME Training Centre after completing your Direct
Entry Officers Course.
Aviation Training Continuum: 12 Months
The Aviation Training Continuum consists of a series of short courses of varying lengths over a period of 12 months. The
Army Aviation Training Centre located in Oakey, Queensland is responsible for the co-ordination of the Aviation training.

Further Training
Graduate, Undergraduate
The Army encourages selected officers to improve their qualifications and RAEME Aerospace Engineers currently attend the
following overseas courses:
Flight Test Engineers Course/Masters of Science. 18 month course at Cranfield UK. One position every second year. Rank
Captain.
Masters of Project Management ( Army Technical Staff Officers Course) conducted at the Australian Defence Force
Academy in Canberra. Two positions for a senior Captain/Major each year.
The above courses may incur a Return of Service Obligation. This is a means whereby Army ensures they get a reasonable
return for the expense incurred to improve your qualifications. After completion of the course, the member is required to
complete a period of service equal to the period of training, plus one year.

Employment Location
Graduate, Undergraduate
The areas in Australia that you could be posted to are:

Darwin, NT - 1st Aviation Regiment Armed Reconnaissance helicopter;

Townsville, QLD - 5th Aviation Regiment Multi-Role, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters;
Oakey, QLD - Army Aviation System Program Office capability acquisition and through life support;
Brisbane, QLD - 16 Brigade (Aviation) Aviation Headquarters;
Brisbane, QLD - Army Aviation Projects new aircraft acquisition;
Sydney, NSW - 6th Aviation Regiment Black Hawk helicopter;
Canberra, ACT - Army Aviation Projects new aircraft acquisition;
Melbourne, VIC - Director General Technical Airworthiness technical regulation and structural integrity
management; and
Edinburgh, SA - Aircraft Research and Development Unit test and evaluation.

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