Start Date: 1 February 2027 – Closing applications on 30th September
Northrop Grumman Australia (NGA) is looking for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Structures, Apprentice to join our team at Pinkenba, Queensland, commencing on the 1st of February 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about aviation who is looking to build a long-term career maintaining and supporting aircraft within a Defence aviation environment.
As an AME Apprentice, you'll work alongside experienced maintenance professionals while completing your Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures). Through a combination of structured training and hands-on experience, you'll develop the skills and competencies required to become a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
What You'll Be Doing
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience supporting aircraft maintenance and modification activities.
- Learn how to use approved maintenance documentation, tooling, and equipment.
- Be part of a high-performing maintenance team, ensuring aircraft are delivered safely, efficiently, and ready for mission success.
- Assist with tool control, FOD control, audits, and workplace safety activities.
- Work closely with experienced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Crew Leaders, and Certifying Staff while progressing through your training plan.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for individuals who are passionate about aviation and eager to build a career within the aerospace industry.
To be considered, you will require:
- Completion of the theory component of the Certificate IV in Aeroskills.
- An Australian Citizen.
- A genuine passion and eagerness to work in the aviation industry.
- Awareness of the CASA and DASA regulatory environment and framework.
- The ability to communicate effectively and work within a collaborative team environment.
- The ability to obtain and maintain an AGSVA Baseline Security Clearance.
As part of the apprenticeship, there may be occasions where travel to alternative work sites is required to support operational requirements or training outcomes.
Employment Conditions
- Full-time apprenticeship position
- Start date of 1 February 2027
- 3 year & 3-month Apprenticeship
- Paid under the applicable Apprentice Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) wage structure
- Develop your skills across a range of Defence aviation programs, building experience and exposure that supports long-term career growth.
Assessment Centre Requirement
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must be available to attend an in-person Assessment Centre at the Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Centre (BMMC) on the 15 October 2026.
This assessment day forms a mandatory part of the recruitment process.
Ready to launch your career in aviation maintenance? Apply today. ✈️
Everyone Matters
Doing the right thing and sharing success are two values underpinning how we behave at Northrop Grumman. Here, everyone matters including candidates from diverse backgrounds.
We are particularly proud of our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as demonstrated through our Second Innovate RAP (2024-2026), and our support for Veteran employment, and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Veterans to apply to join our team.
As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, as such your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. You will also need to satisfy police checks and employment screening verification.
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Skills Required
- Completion of the theory component of the Certificate IV in Aeroskills
- Australian citizenship
- Passion and eagerness to work in the aviation industry
- Awareness of CASA and DASA regulatory frameworks
- Effective communication and ability to work collaboratively in a team
- Ability to obtain and maintain an AGSVA Baseline Security Clearance
- Availability to attend the mandatory in-person assessment centre on 15 October 2026
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
