* Various roles, disciplines, locations and domains available
* Existing, new & greenfield projects
* New career adventures await
Key opportunities available for the defence industry 2026 across Australia
Your new company
With the new year on the horizon, there has never been a more exciting moment to take the next step in your career. At Hays Defence, we go beyond simply finding you a job. We take a holistic approach to understanding your ambitions and aligning them with the right opportunities.
We know that every professional's journey is unique and navigating the defence landscape can be challenging. That's why we take the time to listen, guide, and connect you with positions that truly reflect your aspirations. Whether you're seeking exciting projects, aiming for a career step up, looking to sharpen your technical expertise, increase your remuneration, or secure greater flexibility, we are here to help you achieve it.
Through our strong partnerships across the defence industry-from leading Primes to agile SMEs, consultancies, and innovative new players-we offer objective advice and access to opportunities that match your goals.
Whatever your vision for the future, we can provide objective guidance & support in matching you with the right opportunities that fit you best.
Snapshot of available opportunities 2026:
* Program Manager: Maritime projects, Sydney.
* Project Director: greenfield projects: NSW
* Senior Project Manager: greenfield projects: NSW
* Senior Systems Engineer: Sydney or Perth
* Lead Systems Engineer: Sydney or Perth
* Software Engineers - various levels through to senior management - various states such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney and more.
* ILS Specialists (Integrated Logistics Support): Various, Adelaide & Sydney
* Systems Engineer: Brisbane
* Project Manager: aviation/aero: Brisbane
* Commercial Manager: Flexible location
* Business Development Specialists: Flexible locations
* Engineering Manager (Design): greenfield projects: NSW
* Senior Mechanical Design Engineer: NSW
* Mechanical Engineer / Product Development: NSW
* Consistently new opportunities are emerging in Canberra for both above the line consulting & below the line defence opportunities (NV1 minimum requirements for all).
* Various other opportunities are available across different states - Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Newcastle.
* Project Schedulers, Project Controllers: Melbourne Adelaide
* Project Controls Manager: Melbourne or Adelaide
What you'll need to succeed
* Typically, most of these roles do require some pre-existing defence industry experience and security clearance such as NV1 clearance.
* Must hold Australian Citizenship with an ability to obtain a security clearance is a minimum.
* Some roles and opportunities will require relocation if you are not currently in state.
* For more senior roles, extensive experience delivering high-value projects in the defence sector is required.
* Unsure where you fit? Apply today, and we can reach out once suitable opportunities become available that match your skill sets
What you'll get in return
* Significant career opportunities are on offer marks a focal point of growth in the defence industry. With new projects ramping up and top-tier innovative capabilities being presented & built.
* Roles where you can lay roots and grow within dynamic and expanding organisations.
* Relocation Assistance is available for some opportunities.
* Collaborative cultures that value versatility, innovation, and career advancement
* Competitive Salary packaging
* Flexible working
* Bonuses
* And more
What you need to do now
If you're interested in these opportunities, 'apply now' or forward your CV directly to
Not quite suitable for anything listed and unsure where you fit? We encourage all applications. Having your CV on file, will enable us to contact you immediately upon any suitable opportunities that become available.
Be at the forefront of defence capability and take your next career adventure today
HaysDefence