Applications for the 2025 NAVIGATE Program have closed.

The NAVIGATE Program is dedicated to supporting the advancement of a diverse range of high performing scientists and technologists from across the science and technology ecosystem in Australia to build our capability to solve the biggest challenges for Defence.

What is the NAVIGATE Program?

The NAVIGATE Program is designed to enable high performing and experienced researchers, academics and STEM professionals from around Australia to more easily transition into the complex area of Defence science and technology. The NAVIGATE Program does not target any particular discipline, but seeks high performing research, academics and STEM professionals that are leaders in their field, and are willing to utilise their transferrable research skills in high priority areas of Defence.

Since its inception in 2021, the NAVIGATE Program has been successful in attracting a significant number of applicants and providing career advancement opportunities in the Defence ecosystem. With over 1,700 applications received, the program has supported 69 participants to date, and a further 36 are expected to complete their NAVIGATE journey in May 2025.

In accordance with Assistant Minister for Defence’s announcement, the NAVIGATE Program has a 50% female target. A diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture enhances Defence’s capability and effectiveness, as it draws on difference ideas to innovate and adapt to the rapidly evolving strategic environment and the changing nature of warfare.

The NAVIGATE Program is a valuable initiative that provides participants with the opportunity to gain hand-on experience and contribute to the development of innovative technology solutions for Defence. By working with partners in industry and academia, both in Australia and around the world, participants in the program are able to broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Defence ecosystem.

Through their work on the program, participants will have the chance to contribute to the delivery of scientific advice and innovative technology solutions that will help give Defence a capability edge. This is an important role, as the ability to harness the latest technological advances and apply them in a practical way is essential to maintain the effectiveness and competitiveness of Defence in the face of evolving threats and challenges.

The NAVIGATE Program is a comprehensive 12 month initiative that provides participants with a wide range of opportunities and support to help them advance their careers in the Defence ecosystem. Over the course of the program, participants undertake two six-month placements in different science and technology areas, giving them exposure to a diverse range of challenges and opportunities.

In addition to the hands-on experience gained through these placements, participants are also provided with training and leadership development opportunities, as well as mentoring and coaching to support their career development. This well-rounded approach ensures that participants have the skills, knowledge and support they need to succeed in their careers.

At the conclusion of the 12 month program, NAVIGATE Participants are offered an ongoing role within DSTG or wider Defence which takes into account their skillset, interests, and Defence’s highest priorities. This ensures that participants are able to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained during the program in a practical way, and that they are able to make a meaningful contribution to the Defence community.

To deliver the Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage – delivering more, together Strategy, Defence Science and Technology Group is taking deliberate and sustained action to recruit, retain and grow the highly specialised and skills workforce needed to meet increased technological requirements. The NAVIGATE Program ensures we are enabling the best talent from across our community to realise their full potential in the service of our nation.

The NAVIGATE Program aims to:

• Improve Defence’s access to high calibre mid-career researchers and technologists by providing a new pathway into Defence.
• Provide opportunities for high-performing Defence STEM specialists with a supported opportunity to broaden their leadership exposure and contribution.
• Enable STEM professionals from the broader S&T ecosystem to transition into the complex area of Defence Innovation, Science and Technology.
• Enable career mobility for STEM Professionals within Defence.
• Increase diversity to allow greater innovation to solve the future challenges for Defence.
• Create a cohort with a deeper understanding of both Defence and the ecosystem.

NAVIGATE Rotations

The two six-month rotations are a key component of the NAVIGATE Program, providing participants with the opportunity to gain practical experience and contribute to high priority areas for Defence.

The two 6-month rotations aim to:

• Provide all participants with exposure to the breadth of STEM careers in DSTG and Defence.
• Provide practical workplace experience to be applied in the wider STEM ecosystem.
• Provide participants with the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and expertise to a high priority body of work.
• Provide participants with an engaging and supported opportunity to contribute to Defence.

The NAVIGATE Program allocates participants to rotations based on organisational priorities, available opportunities, educational background, experience, career aspirations, location and developmental needs.

The first rotation will see participants that are new to Defence placed in a position within Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). This rotation will provide participants with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience that will support them as they progress through the program.

Current Defence employees will be provided with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Defence’s Science and Technology work through a placement in the broader STEM ecosystem that can benefit from their STEM knowledge and expertise.

The second rotation seeks to align the participant’s career aspirations and development goals with Defence’s organisational priorities. NAVIGATE will work with participants to support their placement in a suitably aligned area with consideration to Defence’s organisational priorities.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be offered an ongoing role within DSTG and the wider Defence where their knowledge and experience can be best utilised. This enables participants to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the program in a practical way, and to make a meaningful contribution to the Defence community.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the program or would like further information, please contact anivtngr.cebtenz@qrsrapr.tbi.nh.