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BAE Systems Australia

4.0
  • 50,000 - 100,000 employees

BAE Systems Australia Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Defence & Aerospace

Grow your career with BAE Systems, Australia's largest defence company in a rapidly growing sector.

Experience Infinite Possibilities™ for you and your career when you join its graduate and early career programs.

BAE Systems provide opportunities for graduates, interns, apprentices and trainees to work on the latest technologies, capabilities and infrastructure that underpins Australia’s defence programs.

More than 70 years in Australia

Since BAE Systems’ origins in South Australia in the 1950’s, it has built a strong company and a legacy supporting the Australian Defence Force.

Across 40 sites in every state and territory in mainland Australia, BAE Systems has more than 5,500 talented and experienced people delivering valuable and significant work.

From its city and regional operations to the teams in its shipyards, hangars and the engineers designing cutting-edge technologies, people are at the heart of everything the company does.

BAE Systems has shown its commitment to growing its capabilities, products and services and its support for local communities.

It continues its legacy of excellence through investing in its people, while developing new technologies and innovations that will help tackle future challenges by making the impossible possible.

Recruitment Process

Graduate program structure

Our two-year graduate program provides you with structured development that fits right into your role. We include extra activities to boost your leadership skills, spark your innovation, and help you chart the course for your dream career.

Our graduate program consists of two streams and you may have a choice between:

Stream 1 – Work in one project/department and enjoy the stability and opportunity to develop deep knowledge of that domain.

Stream 2 – Undertake three eight-month rotations and develop knowledge and skills in different and dynamic areas of our business.

Whichever stream you join, you can be assured your career will be off to a great start.

Your graduate experience

  • Professional propulsion: Dive into tailored training and hands-on projects, mastering the technical and ethical know-how to excel in your chosen field.
     
  • Technical take-off: Hone your skills with immersive industry experiences, gaining real-world expertise alongside industry experts.
     
  • Mentor mission control: Navigate your career trajectory with a dedicated mentor. They'll be your go-to guide and confidante, helping you set goals, tackle challenges, and reach new heights.
     
  • Teamwork makes the dream work: Enjoy regular engagement with other graduates and an opportunity to join your peers from across the country at our graduate conference.
    Soar to new heights: After completing your program, we'll have your back as you transition into a permanent position.

Graduate program: When and how to apply

Applications for the BAE Systems graduate program generally open in March each year and close in April, for the following year’s intake of graduates. Applications for certain roles might stay open longer or reopen at other times.

To apply, you will need to be an Australian citizen and eligible for Australian defence security clearance.

BAE Systems has an ‘expressions of interest’ form on its website that you can complete at any time and you will be the first to know when applications open.

How the application process works

Step 1: Application review

Once your application is received, the BAE Systems talent acquisition specialists will conduct a thorough review of your academic success; work experiences; extracurricular endeavours; what drives you to join our team; and your preferred ways of working.

Step 2: Video interview

Successful applicants will be then invited to participate in a one-way video interview about your skills, motivations, and fit for the role. This is your chance to shine a light on your unique personality and what you can bring to the team.

Step 3: Final interview

Once you make an impression with your video interview, the next stage is an in-depth conversation with the team at BAE Systems. This could be a traditional face-to-face interview, a virtual interview, or even a dynamic group assessment depending on the role. Prepare to delve deeper into your skills and experiences, demonstrating your abilities and showcasing your potential.

Step 4: Background checks

BAE Systems will complete a thorough background check and confirmation that you will meet its security clearance obligations. It's a simple a way for the business to confirm all the information you've provided and ensure that everything aligns with its values and requirements.

Remuneration & Career Growth

BAE Systems Australia has a wide range of opportunities and benefits for you to make the most of your unique talents.

It works hard to create a dynamic and inclusive culture – an environment where you are inspired to achieve remarkable things and make the most of your unique talents — while helping to keep Australia safe.

The company invests heavily in education and engagement initiatives to help you achieve your full potential and have a successful and fulfilling long-term career with us.

As the nation’s enduring partner of choice for trusted sovereign defence and national security capability, this opportunity means that BAE Systems can offer you:

  • Purposeful work where your efforts are recognised in an environment where you can thrive.
  • Joining an organisation that is passionate about developing some of the most impressive careers in the world.
  • Industry-leading flexibility options to unlock the talent and diversity of every individual.
  • Unique opportunities to contribute to programs of national significance while growing your skills.
  • A strong safety culture, inclusive teams and work to be proud of, underpinned by a compelling set of values.

Employee benefits snapshot

In addition to the standard annual leave, sick leave and long service leave provisions, BAE Systems offer a range of enhancements to support important life and cultural events, such as parental and partner leave, getting married leave, military leave and sorry business leave.

The company offers a range of flexible work options to help progress your career while balancing the other important elements of your life. Informal and formal flexibility arrangements are available including part-time work, condensed hours and working from home.

Financial benefits for its employees include company shares, salary packaging, novated lease vehicles and corporate discounts.

You will experience on-the-job training, mentoring, leadership programs and structured training and development opportunities — as well have opportunities for ‘squiggly’ career moves across the business that provide new opportunities and possibilities.

BAE Systems proactively supports a positive work environment through reward and recognition programs; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and volunteering opportunities.

You and your family will also have access to a range of services and benefits to assist with your health and wellbeing.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.0
Overall score based on 209 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.8
Work Hours
8.4
Management
8.1
Diversity
8.1
Culture
What Graduates Say About Them
  • The support from mentors and coworkers has been amazing.
  • The culture is great. Where contractually allowed, people are able to work from home as much as they want.
  • The best thing about working for my company is the diversity of the work we complete.
  • There are plenty of opportunities for growth, development, and the chance to stand out and prove yourself by innovating new processes or techniques.
  • The 9-day fortnight is the best thing ever.
  • The graduate salary is not competitive when compared with other salaries for graduate engineers in defence.
  • Due to the organisation being so large it can be hard to see the results of your work as it may be passed on to a different department once a particular segment is completed and you may not get to see the final results of your work.
  • The nature of defence (NDAs, security classification, etc) makes learning about other things happening within the business difficult. It's still possible to learn by asking around, but the need to know makes it very difficult.
  • If you don't get into a rotational graduate stream, your opportunities for exposure to different parts of the company are limited.
  • Everything moves at a snail's pace. Too much admin work.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Perth
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
E
Engineering & Mathematics
F
Food, Hospitality & Personal Services
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
S
Sciences
T
Trades & Services
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Melbourne
Salary
AUD 60,000 / Year

$30/hr (incl. casual loading)

Opening in 3 weeks

Graduate Job or Program

SA-Osborne
Get your career off to a great start as a Graduate Cyber Engineer in our 2026 Graduate Program!
Salary
AUD 72,000 - 74,100 / Year

This is provided in a total annual package (TAP). Annual salary reviews


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories

Callum

Graduate Electronics Engineer at BAE Systems Australia

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Honours) at RMIT University

  • Graduate stories

Jonty

Graduate Mechatronic Engineer at BAE Systems Australia

Master of Engineering Science at University of New South Wales (UNSW)


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Nimna

Graduate Mechanical Engineer at BAE Systems Australia

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) at RMIT University

  • Day in the life

Caitlin

Commercial Graduate at BAE Systems Australia

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations at University of Adelaide


Videos


Infinite Possibilities™ - David's Story

A shipbuilder, father, army reservist and blood donor. David talks about the diverse opportunities, benefits and flexibility offered by BAE Systems to help him achieve his career and life goals.

Infinite Possibilities™ - Ana’s Story

Ana’s a mechanical apprentice in the Aircraft Sustainment & Training team maintaining fast jets for the Royal Australian Air Force. She loves that her role provides hands-on experience and that no two days are the same.

Advice


What other early career programs are available at BAE Systems?

Not sure about a graduate program – or looking to move into a different career path? BAE Systems offers a variety of alternate pathways into its workforce.

What does BAE Systems look for in graduate program applicants?

Ready to kick-start your career? Here's what it takes to join the BAE Systems Australia graduate program.

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