Social Science Graduate jobs

About Nova’s Award-winning Graduate Program

Our two-year Graduate Program provides the experience, supervision, mentoring and structured training needed to help you launch a successful consulting career. From day one, you'll contribute to real projects, work alongside experienced professionals, and gain exposure to clients across Defence and industry.

With a strong focus on professional development, you'll build technical expertise, consulting skills and valuable industry connections while exploring the career pathway that's right for you. At Nova, you'll be empowered to make a meaningful contribution and help solve the problems that truly matter.

The Graduate Program provides:

• A permanent role with Nova Systems upon completion
• A range of placements across different parts of the business
• A fully inclusive training and professional development program designed specifically for graduates
• Opportunity to work with experienced industry professionals and highly qualified teams
• Annual Graduate Summit and regular social events, including travel opportunities
• Competitive remuneration package with salary increases upon the successful completion of 6-month probation period, with a further raise at 18 months.
$2,000 per year for individual professional development

Roles may be offered in: Adelaide , Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane

Nova Systems start to consider applications for the graduate program mid-year for the following year’s February intake, after our business planning cycle.

Working across various domains:

• Explosive Ordnance
• Communications
• Aerospace
• Land
• Maritime
• Geospatial
• Software
• Integrated Logistics
Business areas - HR, Finance and Commercial

We welcome students who have graduated by December 2027 from the following disciplines:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace/Aeronautical, Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Communications, majors preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree: Geospatial Science, Software Engineering, Geomatics, Computer Science, Information Technology
• Bachelor's degree in business or commerce (Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management major preferred)
Bachelor's degree in business (Major in Human Resource Management, Finance/Accounting/Economics) - these opportunities are less frequent at Nova

What we would expect from you:

• Australian Citizenship with the ability to obtain an AGSVA (Australian Government Security Vetting Agency) security clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, adapt and embrace new challenges
Be a team player with a positive, can-do attitude

Life at Nova – it all adds up!

With people being our point of difference, we deliver on promises, reward good work, champion professional growth and support flexibility, all within a diverse and inclusive culture that recognises moments that matter.

Life at Nova is our collection of employee benefits, designed to meet the many and varied needs of our people.

Just a few of the great benefits you will have access to are:

• Generous Parental Leave: Primary Carers receive 20 weeks paid leave; Partner Carers receive 4 weeks. Full superannuation contributions for up to 52 weeks
• Professional and Personal Development: $2,000 per year of allowance with PD leave included.
• Additional Leave: Ranges from - Reserve, Loyalty, Emergency Services, Purchased (up to 2 weeks), and Community Service
• Flexibility: We promote a culture that encourages and enables flexible ways of working that support our people
• Dress For Your Day: We empower our people to determine their outfit for the activities of the day which allows for personal expression that builds trust
• Reward & Recognition Program: Offering exclusive discounts from hundreds of major retailers, helping you to save on groceries, petrol, holidays, and more
• Employee Assistance Program: for employees and family members
• Annual Nova employee engagement: Great way to connect more broadly and strengthen your internal networks and have some fun!
• Wellbeing Hub with access to health and fitness content
• Access to Defence Health and Travel Insurance
• Free Flu Vaccination annually
• Novated Leasing and Salary Sacrifice
• Nova Employee Company Share Offer
• An inclusive, collaborative, and supportive culture
Social activities throughout the year, we even dress up at times, think Safari – we don’t like to take ourselves too seriously!

You can view the full range of benefits on our website Life at Nova | Nova Systems

Nova Systems is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels safe, valued, and included, where our people are our point of difference.

Nova Systems respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters in which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Nova Systems also acknowledges the services of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have contributed to defending Australia and its national interests. To find out more about our commitment to Reconciliation, please visit our website.

ITAR

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian Citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. To learn more, please visit: www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances

NOVA SYSTEMS

Nova Systems is one of the largest Australian owned and operated Defence and Security companies with a global presence as a leader in capability assurance and systems integration.

We are trusted to integrate mission systems solutions and develop software and products that protect lives every day. Our people combine technical skills with an in-depth understanding of what is needed – from Defence and essential services to border security.

We are leaders in Test & Evaluation (T&E), Certification and Systems Assurance, and incorporate the latest Digital Engineering tools and methods including modelling, simulation, and digital twins.

We have strategically located offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Nova Systems start to consider applications for the graduate program mid-year for the following year’s February intake.