Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program
About the Program
The Navy 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 within the Navy.
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 group.
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 the key capabilities of the RAN.
The Program includes a range of features that provides professional development and recognition through:
- Rotations through different work areas to provide you with varied on the job training;
- Specialist training courses that enhance your functional competencies and establishes a greater depth of engineering knowledge;
- General training courses that will develop your core competency skills and facilitate greater efficiencies while working in a Defence environment;
- An Industry rotation to provide a practical element to your career development and to meet organisational needs;
- Optional - rotation to a Ship/Dock Yard;
- Projects to develop your analysis and research skills.
Overall the program seeks graduate engineers from most engineering disciplines that have an application in the maritime context. The specific disciplines sought each year are based on the current needs of the organisation. Our engineers are given opportunities to maintain and broaden their skills, attend specialist training in their given disciplines and achieve and maintain appropriate levels of professional status (Chartered) if desired.
Navy Engineering is a multicultural workplace that values its people for their contribution and who they are. It will develop you as a team player with a strong work ethic and provides excellent opportunities for professional development and education.
Who are we looking for?
For the 2023 intake, our priority disciplines are for engineering graduates completing the following course of study:
- Naval Architecture
- Marine
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Communications
- Computer
- Cyber
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical
- Robotics Autonomous Systems
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Civil & Infrastructure
Other disciplines are still encouraged to apply.
How to apply for the Civilian Engineer Development Program
Applications opened on 27 February 2023 and will close on 12 April 2023.
To apply please visit 2024 Naval Civilian Engineering Development Program Applications.
For further information on the application process please visit Defence Graduate Careers.
Events Schedule
2023 Careers Fair
1 March | University of Melbourne | Melbourne |
2 March | ANU Engineering Students Association | Canberra |
7 March | Women in STEM | Melbourne |
10 March | Women in STEM | Sydney |
15 March | Big Meet Careers Fair | Brisbane |
15 March | Engineers Australia Elevation | Brisbane |
16 March | Griffith University | Brisbane |
16 March | University of Adelaide | Adelaide |
21 March | Tertiary to Work | Canberra |
22 March | Big Meet Careers Fair | Sydney |
22 March | Engineers Australia Elevation | Sydney |
24 March | Big Meet Careers Fair | Adelaide |
29 March | Big Meet Careers Fair | Perth |
29 March | Engineers Australia Elevation | Perth |
29 March | Engineers Australia Elevation | Canberra |
31 March | Australian Maritime College | Launceston |
31 March | Big Meet Careers Fair | Melbourne |
Videos
Note: These videos are hosted on YouTube. Department of Defence users will not be able to view this video on the Defence Protected Network.