Civilian Engineer Development Program (CEDP)

The Civilian Engineer Development Program (CEDP) plays a critical role in contributing to current and future Navy capability and is one of the most comprehensive programs of its type in Australia. The program aims to support the acquisition and in-service sustainment requirements of the Royal Australian Navy fleet. The key to this function is providing specialist engineering support through the entire lifecycle of Navy platforms.

The CEDP is a 3 year development program, consisting of 6 work rotations of 6 months each. 4 rotations are within the Engineering Group, 1 Industry secondment rotation and 1 rotation in another Defence Group.

The program includes a range of features that provide broad professional development and recognition as well as the opportunity to grow and develop a professional career as an Australian Public Service (APS) employee within the Department of Defence. Based on competencies recognised by Engineers Australia (EA), this program consists of Defence and Industry work rotations and provides optimum exposure to a variety of engineering opportunities through both on and off the job training.

The Department’s generous remuneration package, conditions of service and leave benefits will contribute to you enjoying a happy work/life balance. The program also includes assistance to achieve industry-based professional experience.

You will commence on the program as an APS4 Graduate Trainee with a salary package of $81,868 p.a. + 15.4% superannuation, whilst on the program you will continue to receive performance progression payments on your salary every year if your performance is rated fully effective, in accordance with the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA) 2024. On successfully completing the 3 year development program you will progress into a permanent APS6 position under the Navy Engineering Branch.

Whilst you will commence the program in either Canberra or Sydney you will have opportunities throughout the program for travel and work in different locations. We currently have graduates based in: Canberra, Sydney, Nowra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Western Australia. You will receive financial assistance for any relocations required whilst on the program, in accordance with Navy Engineering requirements.

A minimum four-year Bachelor's degree, recognised in Australia, is required to apply and to be verified to participate in the CEDP.

The CEDP looks for applicants who have an Engineering degree, accredited by Engineers Australia specialising in, but not limited to:

• Naval Architecture;
• Mechatronics;
• Electronics;
• Electrical;
• Mechanical;
• Civil/Infrastructure;
• Marine/Offshore;
• Communications;
• Cyber;
• Computer Systems;
• Robotics Autonomous Systems; and
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning