Meet our people
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has a diverse workforce who are curious, imaginative and not deterred by difficult challenges.
Like them, discover how you can become part of something bigger.
Using their STEM skills to achieve our mission
"My work as a Cryptology Researcher includes everything from typical cryptography and mathematics to AI and coding. I would describe it as a role for people who like puzzles! I have learnt numerous technical skills, both internally and externally through on-the-job training, formal qualifications, workshops and conferences. I think that ASD understands that it takes time to develop technical skills and expertise, and is willing to invest in its people. My advice to someone thinking of joining is to give it a go. Chances are there is a team somewhere in ASD that is the right fit for you. It is amazing to be part of a very fundamental section of Australia’s line of defence."
– Chloe, Cryptology Researcher
Tackling tech challenges that don’t exist anywhere else
"I graduated with a Bachelor of Business in Marine Resource Management and Business Law. I then went on to complete an MBA (International Business). I knew very little about ASD when I was accepted into the ASD Graduate Program and have never looked back. The opportunities have been amazing. I have worked across a number of teams, including overseas. My colleagues are exceptional, which is inspiring. To be able to work in a STEM field and on national security matters is incredibly rewarding. I lead a team of technologists and analysts who focus on managing and triaging cyber security incidents. The one thing I have learnt working in cyber security is that every day is different and new days bring new exciting challenges."
– Obi, Team Leader, Cyber Security Incidents
Feeling safe to bring their whole selves to work, without exception
"I have autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. I have certainly found ASD to be an environment that is more accommodating and comfortable for people on the spectrum than many government organisations - or other large organisations for that matter. I think ASD offers some unique types of work, being highly cognitive and not always relying on natural social skills, to achieve great outcomes. Many neurodiverse people gravitate towards and excel in that kind of work."
– Lani, Radio Frequency Signals Analyst
Using cutting-edge technology to help keep Australia secure
"At university, I did a double degree in Arts and Science. In arts, I studied sociology and literature, while in science, I studied biochemistry and molecular biology. At ASD, I primarily do digital forensics in support of incident response and threat hunting. This involves using my knowledge of computers to reactively (in response to suspected compromise) or proactively (suspected target of compromise) find bad activity. I regularly draw on my ability to formulate hypotheses about what I think happened, devise a plan to test whether this is true, and evaluate available evidence – all of which are skills that I developed during my science degree. I chose a career in STEM because I really enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes with tackling complex problems."
– Steve, Digital Forensics
Solving complex problems to protect Australia and our national interests
"When I was younger, I either wanted to be an author or astrophysicist. At university, I did a Bachelor of Science in Physics in Bio-Anthropology. I always loved STEM and was very passionate about it, particularly physics. I work in the capability-building side of ASD, liaising between our organisation and academia on higher-degree research programs that benefit ASD. What I love about my work is that I bridge a lot of disciplines, teams and work styles and don’t feel boxed into a particular definition of STEM, but work across multiple STEM and non-STEM areas in a fluid and organic way."
– Jane, Capability Building
A unique, challenging and rewarding career
"I started my career as an apprentice electrician, and the experience has been a solid foundation to my career. At university, I studied for an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. I have gone back to uni a few more times to gain additional qualifications in economics and finance, project management, and I finally finished up with a PhD in Information Systems. Regardless if one works in the field or in the office, electrical engineering is technically challenging and I am always learning something new. I am a problem solver; giving me problems to solve makes me happy at work, which is why I love working at ASD."
– Jake, Electrical Engineer
Challenged to solve problems and push technology to its limits
"I studied a double degree of Software Engineering and Neuroscience at university. Originally, I wanted to be a scientist and just wanted to learn some programming for fun. Growing up, I loved video games and computers. Somewhere during the 5 years I spent studying, I realised I actually enjoy software development a lot so I changed my mind about the kind of job I wanted. While I was studying, I worked at my university's IT help desk. I joined the ASD Graduate Program after graduating, and have worked as a software developer ever since. I do Windows development and work mostly with C and Python. I enjoy my job because I get to work on interesting problems with smart colleagues. I've had the opportunity to learn a lot of new skills, both through formal training courses and on-the-job learning. I like the flexible hours provided and the emphasis on work-life balance. I get to work on hard problems while at work, but still have the time to enjoy my hobbies outside of work."
– Yasmin, Software Developer
Part of something bigger from day one
"My tasks as a systems administrator include completing service desk tickets for customers, along with project development and vendor engagement. We are currently in the process of multiple hardware refreshes across Australia, and I have been working closely with the team to stand up the servers and configure the new clusters."
– Ben, Apprentice
"One of my key tasks is researching and writing intelligence reports. Regularly, I get to liaise with Australian and international partners to collaborate on matters of global interest, all whilst getting to work alongside some of the best analysts in the intelligence community."
– Rhiannon, Graduate
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of our people.