EL 1 S&T 5, EL 2 S&T 6 & 7 (Multiple Classifications) – The NAVIGATE Program - Department of Defence - EngineeringCareer

First listed on: 17 May 2023
EL1 S&T 5, EL2 S&T 6 & 7 (Multiple Classifications) – The NAVIGATE Program
  • $108,195 - $170,144 (plus Super)
  • DSTG has multiple sites around Australia with specific STEM capabilities at individual sites. Our largest sites are based in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Your new STEM Career starts here! 

Supporting experienced STEM specialists to take their careers in an exciting new direction!

In 2022, Defence launched a pilot program which sought to offer a supported mid-career pathway into Defence Science and Technology called NAVIGATE. The primary aim of NAVIGATE is to bolster Defence’s female representation and mid-career workforce capability, broaden the diversity of our workforce, and support participants with the information, knowledge, and know-how to succeed as a STEM leader in Defence.

If you are a STEM professional returning from a career break, already work in Defence or currently work in academia, industry or similar and you enjoy working on innovative solutions to complex science and technology problems, we want you to apply for the NAVIGATE Program!

NAVIGATE is a program designed to enable high performing and experienced researchers, academics and STEM professionals from around Australia to more easily transition into the complex area of Defence science and technology. A key objective of the program is to bolster the number of women at the S&T 5 to 7 level, addressing the current gender inequity that currently exists. The program also has a pre-determined gender target of 50% female.

The program will not target any particular discipline, but is seeking high performing researchers, academics and STEM professionals who are leaders in their field.

Over the duration of the 12 month program, you will undertake two six-month placements in different technology areas within the Defence STEM ecosystem and be provided with the opportunity to contribute to high priority areas for Defence. You will also undertake training and leadership development opportunities and mentoring to support your career development. We are seeking talented people from a wide range of backgrounds who can work collegiately, have a passion for applying their skills and knowledge to assist with the implementation of scientific and engineering methodologies to solve problems of considerable complexity, and want to deliver results for Defence.

Participants in the NAVIGATE Program will have the opportunity to apply their expertise and experience to Defence’s priority Science and Technology (S&T) challenges. For more information on these please visit our website.

With a commitment of approximately $3 billion in Defence innovation, science and technology over the next decade, there has never been a better time to work in Defence.

Program details 

Participants in the NAVIGATE program will have the opportunity to apply their expertise and experience to Defence’s priority S&T challenges such as Information Warfare and Resilient Multi-Mission Space.

The program includes:

  • 12 months of learning the ins and outs of Defence and Government, including two 6-month rotations.
  • A dedicated professional development program where you will build your skills.
  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Ongoing - Full time (37.5 hours per week) or part time with 12 months’ probation
  • Full-time salary within each S&T Level

   - S&T 5 - $108,195 - $122,044 pa, with an additional 15.4% superannuation         

   - S&T 6 - $125,622 - $150,785 pa, with an additional 15.4% superannuation
   - S&T 7 - $151,190 - $170,144 pa, with an additional 15.4% superannuation

Note: Successful candidates will be expected to commence on the program in February 2024. 

If you have great communication skills, committed to your self-improvement and professional development, and are able to work independently whilst ensuring the high-level of integration and consistency required to achieve outcomes for Defence, then we want you to apply for the NAVIGATE Program.

Affirmative Measures
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people.

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage
You will need to upload evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. Acceptable evidence includes:

A letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or

A confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation, or

If the above documents are not available, Defence accepts a statutory declaration made by an individual confirming their heritage.

Further information on the program and where to apply is provided in the below links:

For further information on the program, visit dst.defence.gov.au/NAVIGATE and download the NAVIGATE Information Pack.