Graduate Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance Engineer (Aug 2024)

Description

Ascent Pty Ltd is an engineering, technical services, and project management consultancy. We specialise in Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, which supports the Australian Defence Force through the acquisition, assessment, testing, sustainment and disposal of Defence material. (Yes, it actually IS rocket science!).

We believe in hiring smart people and nurturing their ideas, whilst providing an opportunity to make a tangible and value-driven difference to the defence industry – starting from the ground up with our Graduate Program.

Our Graduate Program puts you in the front seat of devising innovations, ensuring mission success for our customers, delivering solutions that will keep end users safe, and making a difference in the defence of what we call home.

 

About the program

The Ascent Graduate aims to provide newly graduated engineers with the opportunity to explore a unique and rare profession whilst transforming their freshly acquired theoretical knowledge into tangible, real-life experience.

Our program aims to open doors into an otherwise elusive industry, while continuously building a future workforce within the broader defence industry, ensuring the safekeeping and security of Australia for many generations to come.

 

The program provides:

• A guided and supported opportunity to become an expert in a rare and sought-after specialisation.
• A permanent role at Ascent – we value all graduates as part of Ascent’s future.
• Practical learning opportunities, graduate days, base tours, and hands-on learning opportunities.
• A mentoring program supported by some of the defence industry’s brightest minds.
• A genuine opportunity for impactful and meaningful work.

 

What makes the Ascent Graduate Program different:

At Ascent we are firm believers of empowering good people to do good work. It is important to us that we do not limit someone who is ambitious, innovative and hell-bent on finding solutions to defence-related problems.

Our graduates are treated as defence industry experts-in-the-making, not units of human-resource commodity.

You can expect to have a level of autonomy whilst you undertake authentic, meaningful work, and to have your professional opinions and expertise heard.

Don’t worry, we are not throwing anyone into the deep end either! Throughout your time as an Ascent graduate, you will have access to organic mentoring, a team to bounce ideas off and the appropriate level of guidance in your tasks.

 

What you will do:

At Ascent you can expect to work on interesting and innovative projects. Ascent has contracts with the Australian Department of Defence spanning Maritime, Land, and Air domains delivering capability to the Navy, Army and Air Force. Additionally, Ascent has contributed to space launch certification work as an authorised service provider to the Australian Space Agency. There is a wide spectrum of potential day-to-day tasks.

 

Broadly speaking, you can expect to work on:

• Expanding your expertise and knowledge on a range of interacting engineering disciplines in real-world scenarios.
• Applying your knowledge and experience using various technologies, tools and processes to develop effective approved solutions.
• Analysing and interpreting data to generate arguments that will support informed decision-making.
• Engaging with stakeholders within the defence industry.
• Collaborating with a national team of like-minded, motivated engineers

Our team consists of handpicked individuals which spread across the country. This means cultural and character fit is a major consideration for this role to ensure effective collaboration is displayed, even in remote situations.

You’re our kind of person if you:

• Are an out-of-the-box thinker with a natural flair for complex problem-solving and innovative solutions.
• Are a naturally inquisitive and creative person.
• Are proactive and display a can-do attitude.
• Are eager to achieve objectives, don’t shy away from getting on task and getting your hands dirty (figuratively, in most cases!).
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and can work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Have a hunger for continuous learning.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills.
• Have an adventurous side and are willing to relocate to work on exciting projects.
• Have a passion for, or interest in, the defence industry.
• Are currently an ADF reservist! This is highly regarded.
• Are excited by things that go boom.

 

The non-negotiable skills and qualities you need to have:

• Currently in final year of study, or have completed a Degree/Masters Degree in Engineering within the last 24 months, preferably majoring in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical/Electronics, Mechatronics or equivalent qualifications.
• Availability to commence our program on Monday 5 August 2024, or Monday 03 February 2025.
• The ability to travel internationally and interstate, when required.
• The ability to always maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Eligibility to obtain and hold a Defence Security Clearance. To qualify, you must be an Australian Citizen and have a ten-year verifiable background. To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/

Whilst not essential, prior experience with, or in, the Australian Defence Force, Department of Defence, Australian Public Service, the Defence Industry or current Australian Defence Force Reserve experience will be highly regarded.

 

Benefit:

Ascent values the significant impact our team has on each other, our community and our national interests. We strive to show appreciation for their skills, contribution and potential.

This includes:

• Competitive remuneration
• Assistance with relocation costs
• Salary Sacrifice packages
• Novated Lease packages
• Annual flu vaccinations
• A luscious $5000 annual professional development fund
• Reimbursement of professional membership fees up to $1000 annually
• Being part of Ascent’s Engineers Australia Cohort and having a planned pathway to chartership
• 5 days of professional development leave annually
• Provision of required IT equipment
• Work-life balance with generous leave (including ADF Reserve Leave) and flexible work arrangements!
• Regular team and social events

 

PS – Unsure whether Ascent is the right fit for you? Here’s what makes the A-Team extra special:

 

Opportunities for growth: We hire extraordinary people and provide them with the opportunities they require to develop their skills and perfect their craft.

Close-knit team: Despite being a nationally dispersed team, we are a supportive and collaborative unit. We have each other’s backs and celebrate each other’s wins.

Fostering Innovators: We foster a culture where our people are keen to contribute their ideas – we are all innovators.

Work/Life Balance: It’s a buzzword, but we mean it. We care that you are meeting expectations, not just the number of hours you work.

 

PPS – The Fine Print – things you should know:

• The graduate program is subject to a 6-month probation period.
• The recruitment process includes a written assessment that you will have a week to complete.
• You will have to be able to supply at least 2 contactable, relevant references as part of your application.
• As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance. To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/

The recruitment process:

• Application – hit ‘apply now’ to submit your CV and a cover letter to tell us about yourself and why you want to start your career with Ascent. Include any important details we should be aware of – like graduation dates etc. Please address your cover letter to Michael Isherwood. You’ll get an email acknowledgement after you’ve applied - Ascent endeavours to provide a first-class experience for all suitable applicants. If you have any questions, please direct them to talent@ascentps.com.au
• Assessment – The assessment task consists of a short series of questions that gauges your problem-solving abilities. You will have a week to complete and submit this.
• Video Interview – an opportunity to ask all the questions you have about Ascent and the Graduate program and for us to get to know you better. These virtual interviews will be with our recruitment team.
• In Person Interview – Our final shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with Division or State Heads in their respective state or city.
• Offer - once accepted, you will officially be part of the A-Team and will start onboarding in preparation for the start of the program.
• Start Dates – our 2024/2025 intake dates are Monday 5 August 2024, or Monday 03 February 2025.