That passion took her to Melbourne, where she pursued a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science (Astrophysics) at Monash University. University was more than just lectures and exams—it was a place where Ellie immersed herself in hands-on learning.
She joined Monash Nova Rover’s Chassis team, gaining valuable experience in CAD design, while also tutoring high school students in maths and chemistry. Her science degree led her to research projects modelling chemical abundances in accretion discs — scientific work that helps identify potential Earth-like planets.
With a thirst for practical experience, Ellie completed an electrical engineering internship with APA and later joined an aerospace start-up, designing storage systems for spacecraft.
Each step, each opportunity, brought her closer to her dream job. When she graduated in 2023, she landed a position at BAE Systems Australia—and she hasn’t looked back since.
Engineering in the defence industry
Now, Ellie works in research and development, helping to enhance rocket propulsion systems. No two days are the same. One morning, she might be assembling components in the lab; the next, she’s leading a critical testing campaign. There’s always a challenge to solve, always something new to learn. Desk work is equally important—analysing data to refine processes and improve system performance.
Working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment has taught Ellie the importance of adaptability. When problems arise, they need to be solved quickly and efficiently. Collaboration is essential—she works closely with a multidisciplinary team, including other graduate engineers, to ensure the success of their projects.
Beyond the technical work
One of the most exciting aspects of Ellie’s job is seeing an idea come to life. She loves that she can design a part one day and test it in a real system the next.
BAE Systems Australia places immense trust in its graduates, giving them responsibilities beyond entry-level tasks. Leading testing campaigns and taking ownership of work packages has given Ellie confidence in her abilities, and she thrives under the mentorship of industry experts who guide her career development.
But working in the defence industry also comes with unique challenges. The nature of the work means that some of the most exciting developments must remain confidential.
When a breakthrough happens, Ellie can’t always share the success outside of her team. Still, she finds fulfillment in knowing that her work contributes to national security and technological advancement.
Flexibility is another key aspect of her role. While she enjoys the option to work from home, lab work requires her to be on-site, fostering a powerful sense of collaboration within her team.
The dynamic nature of the job means that schedules are often dictated by project milestones. However, Ellie thrives in this environment, enjoying the balance between hands-on engineering and analytical problem-solving.
Advice to future engineers
Looking back, Ellie has three key pieces of advice for students aspiring to a career in engineering:
- Go to that lecture. You might think you’ll watch it later, but being there in person gives you a far better understanding.
- Find balance. Good grades are important, but so is hands-on experience—extracurricular activities, internships, and industry projects all help land that dream job.
- Say yes to opportunities. Whether in university, work, or life, every experience shapes you. At worst, you’ll gain a great story; at best, it could open doors you never expected.
Looking ahead
Ellie’s journey from a high school student in country Victoria to a graduate aerospace engineer at BAE Systems Australia is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and hands-on experience.
Every challenge she’s faced has been an opportunity to learn and grow. As she continues to push the boundaries of technology in defence, she remains excited for what the future holds—and she hopes to inspire the next generation to follow their curiosity into the world of aerospace engineering.
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