Previous Civilian Engineer Development Program participants
Find out about the experiences of current participants on the Civilian Engineer Development Program:
Contents |
Ian (Mechatronics)
After finishing my degree in Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Wollongong I began working in 2008 at Navy Systems Command (now Navy Strategic Command) as a member of the Civilian Engineering Development Program (CEDP). I applied to the program due to a keen interest in military ships and the program provided a great starting point for an engineer.
In my first year the first rotation was with Concepts and Project Liaison. Here I was able to work on a Future Submarine concept and study technologies which will be emerging in submarines in the future. Included in the first rotation was a Familiarisation Tour of HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney. My second rotation was with the Computer Modelling group where I helped create engineering drawings for some projects. While working for computer modelling I also got the opportunity to work on a Low Cost concept. During this first year I was given the opportunity to participate in the Naval Introduction for Civilian Engineers program which included courses on “Combat Survivability”, “Survival at Sea”, and “First Aid”. This opportunity was great and we stayed in service accommodation at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay while completing this training.
In my second year I began a rotation at Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), working with Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems Project Office. While working there I was able to see how another Defence organisation operates which was a good experience. Upon returning to Navy I am currently working for Total Ship Survivability-Fire fighting. Working on fire fighting systems is a new area for me however the opportunity is a great learning experience.
May (Mechatronics)
I studied Mechatronic Engineering at Monash University and my decision to join NavStratCom was driven by a desire to work on something interesting and important, enjoy a diverse range of work, and make a positive difference.
My first six month rotation was in Naval Communications Systems (NCS). I was exposed to the numerous forms of communications and the infrastructure required to support these capabilities. I was taken aback by how simple some systems were, and more often than not I was surprised at the sheer complexity of others. The additional factors to take into consideration are unlike those in any other industry. My involvement in radio frequency signatures, satellite communications systems, and general upgrades to communications equipment have allowed me to learn rare and critical lessons that I will take with me throughout my career.
My second rotation was under Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HME). This area was beneficial in developing a well rounded knowledge of platform systems. Some of the tasks I performed included a study of automation technologies, reviewing designs of new ships, and adapting requirements to better reflect the needs of the Royal Australian Navy. The confidence I’ve gained in liaising with technical officers through to senior managers, in both the public and private sectors, is perhaps one of the most valuable skills that I’ve developed. Working side by side with uniformed and civilian personnel makes for a unique and supportive environment. Their professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm continue to inspire me to be the best I can.
Personal and professional development is something that I take seriously and I really respect that NavStratCom also respects these values.
John (Mechatronics)
I am a University of Sydney graduate where I studied a combined degree in Mechatronic (Space) Engineering and Advanced Science, majoring in advanced physics and mathematics. During my final year, I wanted a career in Defence because I wanted to dedicate my engineering skills and experience towards maintaining the sovereignty and security of my country, but was never sure what Defence organisation to join. I knew the CEDP was ideal for my career through the various rotations, the projects I would get exposed to, training, and at the same time contributing to Australia’s security.
I joined Navy Strategic Command in 2008 and my first rotation was with the Ranges and Assessing Unit (RAU) under the Directorate of Navy Warfare Systems (DNWS) in Sydney where I worked on developing software tools for weapons analysis. I then relocated to Canberra for my second rotation in Total Ship Survivability (TSS) under the Directorate of Navy Platform Systems (DNPS) where I developed a discussion paper on fire fighting capabilities of a chemical agent used within the RAN, the need for it to be replaced due to its environmental impact, and the performance requirements of the replacement. I also was exposed to tasks in Ship Vulnerability such as blast protection as well as tasks in Navy survival equipment such as, life rafts, emergency beacons, flares, thermal protective suits, and first aid equipment. My third and fourth rotations in the Navy Electronic Warfare and Radar Engineering (NEWRE), and Navy Acoustics and Optronics Engineering (NAOE), I was involved in developing Material Requirement Sets for Radar systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle payloads such as cameras, lasers, and other sensors.
I have really enjoyed the CEDP as it has exposed me to different areas of engineering with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and has given me experiences that have developed me further professionally and personally.
Monisha (Systems Engineering)
I was in my final year of Systems Engineering and IT at the ANU, majoring in Telecommunications, Electronics and Information Systems, when I first heard about the Navy Systems Command Civilian Engineer Development Program. I was looking for a job where I could build upon my communications systems background; gain a full systems view of the engineering design and development process; and most importantly, where I could feel like I was truly contributing. The Navy Systems Command program was everything I was looking for…plus more!
Since joining the program in February 2007, I’ve been working in the Navy Communications and Intelligence branch which has exposed me to a variety of communications and intelligence systems. I’ve been involved in capability development as well as materiel requirements definition for both communications and acoustic systems. Through the requirements development process I’ve been able to gain an understanding and appreciation for naval operational requirements. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit various classes of ships and talk to the operators using the systems that I’ve helped design and/or evaluate and this has been extremely rewarding.
Navy Systems Command is committed to looking after all their staff and hence offers a very relaxed, enjoyable work environment. I would recommend the Navy Systems Command Civilian Engineer Development program for engineers looking for stimulating and rewarding work with a good balance between the technical engineering and project management.
Clint (Systems Engineering)
After graduating from the Australian National University as a Systems engineer, I joined the Navy Systems Command Civilian engineer graduate program in 2007. I applied for a position in Navy Systems Command because I had an interest in naval vessels and ship stability and the civilian engineer graduate program offered graduates the opportunity to do the 6 month work rotations in a variety of positions.
I began my first rotation with the Project liaison and Concept development section. While working here I was involved in providing engineering support to large acquisition projects and researching for a conceptual mine hunter vessel. I am currently now in my second rotation working with the Ship Stability section. Recently I participated in an inclining for an Anzac class ship, which I found very interesting and reinforced my learning experience in stability.
Working with Navy Systems Command has also given me the opportunity to undertake numerous training courses and participate in sea and combat survival courses. In particular, the survival at sea course was a lot of fun and I would have to say was one of the best experiences while working for Navy Systems Command!
The salary package/service conditions in Navy Systems Command is really competitive, especially for a graduate who has just finished university. In addition, there is emphasis on social and recreational activities, training and further education which makes a career in the Navy Systems Command a fulfilling experience!
Glenn (Mechatronics)
I am an Engineering Graduate of the University of Sydney and majored in Mechatronics. I applied for a position within Navy Systems Command after attending Sydney Uni’s 2006 career’s fair, at which NAVSYS had a representative present that I talked with about opportunities available to graduates and how to apply for a position.
I commenced work at Navy Systems Command in February of 07’ and worked for the first six months within the Directorate of Power, Propulsion, Control and Auxiliary Systems (PPACS). After which I had the opportunity to move into Navy Communications and Intelligence (NCI). Specifically working in the Directorate of Navy Sensors and Intelligence Engineering (DNSIE) where I worked under the supervision of the Director of Naval Acoustics and Optronic Sensors (DNAOS). While working with DNAOS I was given the opportunity to be involved in projects that were on both surface and submarine platforms.
I believe the real advantage that the NAVSYS Graduate Program has over others is the genuine sense of commitment to their junior engineers and the truly relaxed atmosphere that we work in. Having a relaxed atmosphere has really eased me into my professional engineering role, and especially has made the transition from University life into Full-time work very smooth.
Socially coming from Sydney I must admit I had my reservations about moving to Canberra having the preconception that Canberra was dull and boring. However, I could not have been further from the truth, Canberra caters for all personalities and needs, from dinning out, to drinking at the local pubs and clubs to simply relaxing; Canberra can be as full on or low key as you like.
This last year has really been a great experience and I could not have asked for my first year out of uni to go any better.
