The direct-entry recruitment is now open for two new roles, space operations officer and space operations specialist.
The new roles are envisioned to grow the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities in space operations, a critical domain regarded as the most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War.
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; environmental monitoring; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“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,” according to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh.
“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-focused training and simulation courses for units across the ADF, including the Army, Joint Operations Command and Joint Capabilities Group.
“This marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign space workforce.”