DCH8 First Officers - Surveillance
Leidos
Take your flying career to the next level.
Unique, purpose-driven flying across Australia’s vast coastline
Excellent opportunities to upgrade to Captain or Trainer
‘Family Friendly’ certified workplace with genuine work-life balance
Work with advanced ISR systems and leading aviation professionals
We pay $105,251.50 + 12% super for our First Officers and $175,419.17 + 12% super for our Captains in your first year with generous allowances.
We’re seeking experienced First Officers ready to take the next step toward Captain or Trainer roles within our mission-focused Dash 8 surveillance fleet. These roles offer a unique opportunity to fly with purpose, work with industry-leading technology, and build a career with genuine progression pathways.
Do Work That Matters
Based in Darwin, Cairns or Broome, you’ll join a dedicated team delivering aerial border surveillance under contract to the Australian Government - the world’s largest outsourced civil maritime surveillance operation. Every flight you undertake contributes directly to protecting Australia’s borders, resources and national interests.
Your New Role and Responsibilities
As a valued First Officer on our Dash 8 fleet, you’ll:
Operate advanced surveillance aircraft to detect, deter and report illegal or unsafe activity
Deliver safe, compliant and efficient flight operations in diverse conditions
Collaborate closely with Mission Aircrew and Captains
Support training, safety and continuous improvement across our fleet
Represent Leidos with professionalism and pride on every mission
What You’ll Bring to Make an Impact
Australian citizen with current passport
Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating
CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical
At least 500 hours total flying time
ATPL Human Factors completed
Eligibility for both an Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) and AGSVA Baseline Security Clearance
This role does require the successful applicant to be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and hold a baseline security clearance.
Diverse Team Members, Shared Values and a Common Purpose
Providing our customers with smarter solutions takes an incredible team with diversity of thought, experience and perspectives driving innovation. Inclusion is at the heart of our culture and is one of our core values. It's about creating a workplace where everyone can do important work, feels welcome, valued, and respected, and has equal access to opportunities to thrive. Paul Chase – Chief Executive, Leidos Australia.
Leidos Australia is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, veterans, neurodiverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.
Our five Advocacy Groups (Women and Allies Network, Young Professionals, Defence & Emergency Services, Action for Accessibility and Abilities and Pride+) provide an opportunity for team members to connect and collaborate on shared interests, and work to support and celebrate our diverse community.
Next Steps
To apply for this role, follow the links or apply via our Careers page.
Recruitment process - 1 behavioural based interview (online), 1 simulator assessment (in Melbourne) & background checks including a police check and pre-employment medical.
Applicants may also need to meet International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements. In certain circumstances this can place limitations on persons who hold dual nationality, permanent residency or are former nationals of certain countries as per ITAR 126.1.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all candidates. Please contact our Careers team careers.au@au.leidos.com if you’d like to discuss any additional support during your application or throughout the recruitment process.
LASCareers
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
