20 August 2025

Leidos | First Officer

Cairns, AUS, Australia

CL604 First Officer, Special Mission Aviation

Location: Australia

Salary: A generous base salary of $109,000 AUD, plus applicable allowances, is provided.

Role Overview

Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated CL604 First Officer to join its elite team. This pivotal role involves flying multi-role Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, contributing directly to critical government operations including border surveillance and life-saving search-and-rescue missions across Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories.

The position offers an exceptional work-life balance, supported by a lifestyle-friendly roster and generous leave provisions, alongside a competitive remuneration package. This is an outstanding opportunity to advance one's career by flying sophisticated multi-role ISR missions with a leading aviation innovator.

About Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia

Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia operates as a trusted partner to the Australian Government, committed to safeguarding national interests and saving lives through critical airborne special missions. The company leads operations that encompass border surveillance and life-saving search-and-rescue, covering over 10% of the Earth’s surface.

With strategic aviation bases located across Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories, Leidos ensures mission success through its 24/7 Operations Centre, Systems Integration Lab, and Mission Equipment Service Centre. The organisation actively collaborates with Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to prototype and test advanced mission systems, integrating world-class ISR technology.

Candidates are invited to contribute to protecting national interests, saving lives, and supporting advanced ISR operations within a dynamic and impactful environment. Further details about the company's culture and benefits are available on the Leidos Careers page.

Key Responsibilities

The CL604 First Officer will operate special mission-configured aircraft and serve as an integral part of a dedicated flight crew. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Operating CL604 aircraft proficiently within diverse special mission environments.
  • Providing essential support for comprehensive mission planning and execution in collaboration with Commanders.
  • Maintaining consistently high operational readiness and strict adherence to safety standards.
  • Completing all necessary mission documentation and reporting with precision and accuracy.
  • Liaising effectively with technical, operations, and ground support teams to ensure seamless mission flow and operational efficiency.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to aviation excellence and meet the following essential criteria:

  • Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency is mandatory (some nationality restrictions may apply due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements).
  • Possession of an Australian Passport or a Passport from a country without travel restrictions is required.
  • A valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Multi-Engine Aircraft (MEA) Instrument Rating with 2D/3D endorsement.
  • A current CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate.
  • A minimum of 1500 hours total flying time.
  • A minimum of 250 hours total flying time in command (PIC) or in command under supervision (ICUS).
  • A minimum of 250 hours multi-engine time.
  • Completion of ATPL Human Factors training.
  • Eligibility to hold an Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC).
  • A strong commitment to being within 30 minutes of the assigned airport when on night standby.

Previous experience in low-level flying, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, or surveillance operations will be highly regarded.

Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Australia is an equal opportunities organisation committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace. The company firmly believes that providing smarter solutions requires an incredible team with diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives driving innovation. Inclusion is a core value, fostering a workplace where every team member feels welcome, valued, respected, and has equal access to opportunities to thrive.

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, neurodiverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

Leidos supports various Advocacy Groups, including the Women and Allies Network, Young Professionals, Defence & Emergency Services, Action for Accessibility and Abilities, and Pride+, providing robust opportunities for team members to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the diverse community.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the Leidos Careers page.

The comprehensive recruitment process typically includes:

  • A behavioural-based interview.
  • A simulator assessment.
  • Comprehensive background checks.
  • A police check.
  • A pre-employment medical examination.

Applicants should be aware that meeting International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may be necessary. In certain circumstances, ITAR 126.1 can place limitations on persons holding dual nationality, permanent residency, or former nationality of specific countries.

Leidos is committed to making its recruitment process accessible to all candidates. For any additional support required during the application or recruitment process, please contact the Careers team.

© 2024 Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia. All rights reserved.

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