Weapons And Sensors Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Australian Defence Force
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Job summary
Australian Defence Force in Australia seeks candidates for Navy-related training and service. Applicants must meet citizenship, age and education requirements, and be prepared for rigorous physical and security checks.
Training pathways include naval courses, engineering and support roles, with overseas postings possible. Selected personnel undergo comprehensive initial and employment training, with screening and security clearances.
Qualifications
- Security clearance required for all ADF roles.
- Strong physical fitness and endurance are expected.
- Ability to work in a disciplined, team-based environment.
Skills
Education
Job description
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
You don’t need a standard Australian driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have completed Year 12 (no ATAR required), with passes in Year 10 English and Maths.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
The Navy is currently reviewing how US Navy trade training can be recognised. If earning an Australian trade certification early in your career is a priority for you, you’re encouraged to explore the Marine Technician Submariner or Electronics Technician Submariner roles.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef‑made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Weapons and Sensors Network Technician Nuclear Submariner trainees must hold Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a Positive Vetting (PV) clearance on completion of training.
Note: This position will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear‑powered submarine training is not guaranteed. If you’re unsuccessful during selection or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you may be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class submarine service.
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. Please speak directly with an ADF Careers member for more information.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Certificate II Electrotechnology
Duration: 18-20 Weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
Course description: This course covers competencies for work entry program providing grounding in safety and basic skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. This course will serve as a pathway to further learning.
On completion of this course, you will receive an AQF Level 2 Certificate II.
Course: Basic Enlisted Submarine School
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
Course description: This course provides an introduction to submarines and prepares you for your first posting to a nuclear‑powered submarine. You’ll learn the basic skills required for both general submariner and role‑specific duties, including damage control and security operations, escape procedures, use of hull structure and closures, and understanding ballast and air systems.
Course: Electronic Technician Fire Control – Submariner ‘A’ School ETFC-SM
Duration: 16 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
Course description: You’ll receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and computers used in submarine combat control and navigation systems. You’ll be responsible for the operation, routine care, repair, management, and maintenance of submarine combat control, navigation and communications systems, electronic, and electro‑mechanical equipment, at sea and ashore.
On completion of your employment training ashore you’ll post to your submarine and progress your role‑specific and broader submariner qualifications which culminate in the award of your Dolphins (the badge of all qualified submariners).
There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
You don’t need a standard Australian driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have completed Year 12 (no ATAR required), with passes in Year 10 English and Maths.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
The Navy is currently reviewing how US Navy trade training can be recognised. If earning an Australian trade certification early in your career is a priority for you, you’re encouraged to explore the Marine Technician Submariner or Electronics Technician Submariner roles.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef‑made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Weapons and Sensors Network Technician Nuclear Submariner trainees must hold Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a Positive Vetting (PV) clearance on completion of training.
Note: This position will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear‑powered submarine training is not guaranteed. If you’re unsuccessful during selection or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you may be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class submarine service.
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. Please speak directly with an ADF Careers member for more information.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Certificate II Electrotechnology
Duration: 18-20 Weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
Course description: This course covers competencies for work entry program providing grounding in safety and basic skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. This course will serve as a pathway to further learning.
On completion of this course, you will receive an AQF Level 2 Certificate II.
Course: Basic Enlisted Submarine School
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
Course description: This course provides an introduction to submarines and prepares you for your first posting to a nuclear‑powered submarine. You’ll learn the basic skills required for both general submariner and role‑specific duties, including damage control and security operations, escape procedures, use of hull structure and closures, and understanding ballast and air systems.
Course: Electronic Technician Fire Control – Submariner ‘A’ School ETFC-SM
Duration: 16 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
Course description: You’ll receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and computers used in submarine combat control and navigation systems. You’ll be responsible for the operation, routine care, repair, management, and maintenance of submarine combat control, navigation and communications systems, electronic, and electro‑mechanical equipment, at sea and ashore.
On completion of your employment training ashore you’ll post to your submarine and progress your role‑specific and broader submariner qualifications which culminate in the award of your Dolphins (the badge of all qualified submariners).
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