The Australian defence industry job market continues to grow, fuelled by major programs such as AUKUS, the Hunter-class frigates, LAND 400, and emerging autonomous systems like Ghost Shark. These Defence projects are expanding workforce demand across engineering, ICT, cyber, project management and logistics skill sets.
But here’s the part many candidates don’t realise: a large portion of defence industry jobs are never advertised.
This is known as the hidden job market. In a sector shaped by security clearances, confidentiality, niche capability requirements and tight supply chains, it plays an even bigger role than in most industries.
Below is how the hidden job market works, why it exists, and exactly how to access Defence roles before they hit SEEK.
What is the hidden job market?
Many defence industry jobs are filled through internal networks, referrals or pre-qualified talent pools without ever being publicly advertised. This happens due to:
Security clearance requirements (Baseline, NV1, NV2, TSPV)
Confidential or sensitive roles that cannot be posted online
Contractors converting to permanent roles
Fast-moving project surge hiring on Defence programs
Primes and SMEs drawing first from internal talent communities instead of open recruitment
How to access defence industry roles that aren’t advertised
1) Networking
Not everyone’s favourite activity but in a niche industry like defence industry, building and maintaining a broad network is vital. You can do this by:
Attending defence industry events
Staying active on LinkedIn
Reconnecting with former colleagues, managers or ADF peers
For networking tips, see our blog here: Defence Industry Networking: Why You Need To Nail It
2) Leverage existing relationships
In the Australian defence industry, six degrees of separation is more like two or three. Ask trusted connections if they know hiring managers, program leads or people inside your target organisations.
Recruiters specialising in defence industry (like Kinexus) also have visibility into key decision makers and upcoming roles long before they are announced.
3) Target the defence industry organisations you want to work for
Make a list of specific primes, SMEs or consultancies that you really want to work for. Maybe they have a great reputation, or have the contract for a project you’re dying to work on.
Once you’ve identified them:
Find out who the decision makers are
Connect on LinkedIn
Make contact
Register on their careers site & talent communities
4) If you can’t get into the prime, target the supply chain
Every Defence project is supported by dozens of subcontractors, SMEs and labour-hire providers.
These companies often hire faster, have more flexible entry points, are easier to approach directly and may be more flexible around security clearances.
They might be your pathway to the end goal.
5) Be ready when opportunity surfaces
Hidden roles move fast. To take advantage:
Maintain an up-to-date resume
Maintain an up-to-date LinkedIn profile (including interests, work history and qualifications)
Prepare a cover letter template
Be willing to make contact when the time comes
How to position yourself as a high-value defence industry candidate
Just as important as knowing the right companies and people, is positioning yourself as the right person to hire. You can do this in several ways:
Keep your LinkedIn profile accurate and Defence-aligned. Highlight Defence-relevant skills such as systems engineering, project controls, cyber, ICT, logistics, or test & evaluation. Use project names, specific tools and certifications where appropriate.
Build a professional online presence but always stay professional, respectful and consistent across platforms.
Notify referees early so they are primed and ready to respond to reference requests promptly.
Maintain an active security clearance (Baseline, NV1, NV2 and TSPV) as many defence industry roles require candidates to be cleared.
So there you have it; how to get access to exciting defence industry opportunities that you don’t see advertised. By staying visible, building relationships, and being proactive, you can unlock defence industry job opportunities that never reach SEEK or traditional job boards.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
