The AUKUS pact seeing opportunities for Australians to work in major US space and defence firms

Exciting, rare opportunities in space and defence at major United States firms are opening up for Australians as part of the AUKUS pact – and global defence giants are on board.

Opportunities in space and defence at major United States firms are opening up for Australians as part of the AUKUS pact, says US Consul General Kathleen Lively.

Skills shortages are driving demand for science and engineering skills, Ms Lively said during a visit to Adelaide, listing major firms including Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

AUKUS had focused on nuclear-powered submarine construction in Adelaide but this was underpinned by technology transfer.

“I would put AUKUS and the space industry together. I think both of those fields there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for engineers, for data analytics, for artificial intelligence, quantum skills. Those are all very high-level maths, science and engineering skills,” she said.

United States Consul General Kathleen Lively in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Ms Lively, who holds a Master of Science degree in Resourcing National Security, said she was impressed by SA’s “practical optimism” about overcoming skills shortages.

“I think the state of South Australia is really working towards that. They recognise that there’s a shortage. They recognise that, to be successful, they’re going to have to build up that cadre of enthusiasm with young Australians to get into those fields,” she said.

Expressing confidence in the state/federal process to develop the defence industry workforce, Ms Lively cited as an example the state partnership with BAE Systems Australia at Findon Technical College.

“I do think people here are very focused on it. Whether it’s at the secondary level, or even at the primary level, just to get people excited and thinking about math and science and what it means,” she said.

“It has to start there and then it grows into a pipeline to then get the skills to do what’s necessary because it’s complicated work, but it’s not difficult. It’s not impossible. Then it leads to really good paying jobs that will really help the population here.”

Ms Lively said US/Australia relationship, including AUKUS, meant a greater opportunity for people from both countries to work in the other.

“I think that bond and this relationship, whether it’s military related or whether it’s just space and emerging technology, means that there’s much more integration of those industries in that business, and then that free flow of labour,” she said.