Defence launches new space roles in the ADF

One small step into space operations means a giant leap in capability for our ADF.

Today I can announce that Australians gravitating towards a career in the ADF can now apply for a job in Defence’s new frontier of space.

Direct-entry recruitment is now open for two new roles, Space Operations Officer and Space Operations Specialist.

These exciting new roles will grow the ADF’s capabilities in space operations, a critical domain as we respond to the most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War.

This marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign space workforce. 

The space workforce will progressively be employed across the full spectrum of space mission sets, which include:

• Satellite communications 

• Position, navigation and timing 

• Space domain awareness 

• Missile warning 

• Satellite operations 

• Space control 

• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

• Environmental monitoring

Successful applicants will undertake specialist space training at the Defence Space and Cyber School, located at a new dedicated facility, the Florence McKenzie Building at HMAS Harman.

The building’s namesake, Florence McKenzie, was Australia’s first female electrical engineer, and a pioneer of modern signalling and technical military training, laying foundations for many of the technologies relied upon in modern space and cyber operations.

She recognised the importance of cutting-edge technical training for military personnel and played a vital role in boosting the Royal Australian Navy’s signalling capabilities in World War Two.

The purpose-built facility named in her honour provides a range of signals- and cyber-focussed training and simulation courses for units across the ADF including the Army, Joint Operations Command and Joint Capabilities Group.

To learn more about a space career in the ADF, visit www.adfcareers.gov.au

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision at https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20260208