Graduate Careers

’Working on diverse, innovative multi-million dollar projects using leading edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment in partnership with the Defence industry’ is a summary of the engineering function of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

The DMO is responsible for the project management of over 200 major and 200 minor projects in over 50 locations around Australia and the world. If it were a private company it would be one of the largest on the Australian Stock Exchange. It makes up more than 40 per cent of the national defence budget and has an annual budget of over $9.6 billion to acquire and sustain military equipment and services. In addition, the DMO manages in excess of $60 billion worth of capital equipment projects and systems such as the ANZAC Class ships, combat vehicles and electronic warfare and missile systems.

Engineering graduate Jason Shrapnel, who joined the DMO Graduate Scheme fresh from university, said he chose DMO based on participating in projects that make a difference nationally, in a work environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

Jason’s first rotation was within Quality Analysis in the Tank Ordinance section of DMO’s Land Systems Division.

‘In my first job placement I had the opportunity of identifying what could go wrong with new tanks that were being purchased by DMO. It was very stimulating and gave me the opportunity to work with major equipment’, Jason said.

‘The best thing about the Materiel Graduate Scheme is the responsibility and freedom that I am allowed in my work. DMO supervisors are experienced and provide excellent guidance and coaching. There isn’t anyone looking over my shoulder, but assistance is always available’.

‘My technical skills, acquired at university, are being used daily, along with my research and organisational skills. The work that I do makes my years of study seem worthwhile’, he said.

DMO engineering graduates work closely with project ‘Technical Leads’ to assist with the development of technical support for projects. They typically contribute to drafting specifications and testing concept plans; and completing design packages, including drawings and calculations. They are also involved in manufacturing and risk assessments, developing test instructions, and reporting the results of conducted tests.

Some of the recent tasks that engineering graduates have been involved with include: reviewing designs and testing combat body armour and ballistic plates; hardening vehicles for deployment into operational areas; drafting specifications for the new range of Special Force vehicles; and testing a range of weapons. Engineering graduates are involved from the initial concept stage through to acquisition of a capability, and finally, sustainment of that capability.

Materiel Graduate Perry Roberts came to DMO after completing his study as a mature age student; he had already held several part-time and casual positions in the private sector.

He said in comparison to his previous workplaces ‘DMO is an extremely professional environment and the people here are great’.

One of Perry’s rotations included working in Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment on the Amphibious Assault Ship project.

‘I have reviewed the designs for the Landing Helicopter Dock project, utilising my mechanical engineering skills’, Perry said.

DMO work is very different to the private sector where the focus is very much on ‘profit and improved dollar value. The organisation helps protect Australia’s national interests by providing the best equipment at the best value for the tax-payer’.

‘The Materiel Graduate Scheme offers exciting challenges in an environment that develops its people and encourages excellence. You won’t get an opportunity like this anywhere else’, said Perry.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more click here , or visit www.defence.gov.au/dmo/careers/graduate/index.cfm for more information on DMO’s Graduate Scheme.