Civilian Engineer Development Program (CEDP) is one of the most comprehensive development programs in Australia. The initiative, operated by the Head of Navy Engineering (HNE), plays a critical role in delivering current and future Navy capabilities. Successful candidates will contribute to the future of Naval Engineering and gain experience across a wide range of disciplines. While largely based in Canberra or Sydney there are opportunities to be placed in other areas across Australia.
You do not have to enlist in the Navy or wear a uniform to join the CEDP. You will be employed as a Department of Defence (DoD), Australian Public Servant (APS) working within the Navy Engineering Branch.
Over the three-year development program, you will have the opportunity to participate in tests and trials, while assisting in the delivery of technical requirements and specifications. You will also be offered six-month working rotations across a diverse range of working areas including Industry, Ship/Dock Yards, other Defence Groups such as the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group or Defence Science and Technology Group, and other Navy establishments. The ships, submarines and helicopters of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) are unique and challenging platforms that combine the systems for delivering integrated missions. The Navy requires professional engineers from a broad range of disciplines to acquire, maintain, sustain and upgrade its key capabilities.
Defence is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diversity in Australian culture. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Australians and people with a disability.
Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible for employment on the CEDP.
For further information regarding the program, please visit the website.
There are four stages to the Defence application process;
Stage 1 - Online Application
Upon registering your details through Defence's online recruitment portal you will be asked to complete personal information and asked questions that relate to eligibility for the program such as citizenship and completion of the degree prior to program commencement. You will be required to submit your resume along with the details of two referees and to answer an assessment criteria question of up to 400 words.
Stage 2 - Online Assessments
After the closing date of the recruitment round you will be invited to undertake online assessments, which will be utilised to assess both cognitive and analytical ability. The assessments will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and you will be given two days to organise yourself to complete them.
Stage 3 - Interview
After completing the online assessments, all applications and online assessment results will be reviewed and a shortlist of candidates for interview will be created. If you are successful in being selected for interview a member of our team will make contact via telephone to organise a date and time.
Stage 4 - Final Selection
If successful, a member of the CEDP Programs Office will make contact via telephone with an offer of employment. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised via e-mail.
Graduates are employed under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement, which provides a range of generous benefits and entitlements.
The Position
At the commencement of the program, graduates are employed as full-time ongoing employees at the APS 4 level. Upon successful completion of the program, you will have an opportunity to hold a permanent position within the Department.
Salary
We offer a starting salary of $76,277 pa + 15.4% employer contribution to superannuation. Upon successful completion of the Defence Graduate program, you will advance to a permanent position within the Department.
Leave Entitlements
As a full-time Defence employee, graduates are offered generous leave entitlements, including 20 days of annual leave per year, personal leave, public holidays, and a paid Christmas stand-down.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Defence offers and supports flexible working arrangements. Employees are required to work 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week), however flexible work hours are offered as an alternative to the traditional 9–5 workday and allow staff to vary their daily arrival or departure time to fit within their lifestyle and work area requirements. Generally, the span of time within which staff can work their required daily 7.5 hours on a flexible basis is 7 am–7 pm, but individual arrangements can be negotiated to fit in with your team and work requirements.
Relocation Expenses
The transition from study to career can be a challenging one. For many of you, it may also be the first time you have worked and/or lived away from home. Should you need to relocate, we will work with you to make the whole process as easy as possible. We offer a generous package, including covering your removal and relocation expenses, to provide assistance with relocation. We also provide you with up to 20 nights of temporary accommodation in serviced apartments to allow you time to find a home at your new location.
Learning and development
Targeted, rotation-specific training. Tailored learning and development.
Ongoing development
Further sponsored study is encouraged.
Professional membership
Memberships to Engineers Australia or the Royal Institute of Naval Architects are included in your program. Other professional bodies will also be considered.
For information on the recruitment process, please go to our website.
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