DCHOfficers - Surveillance

Job Highlights

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 $ + 12% super for First Officers and $ + 12% super for Captains in your first year, plus 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.

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.

• 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

• 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

Ability to obtain and hold baseline security clearance is required.

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.

• To apply for this role, follow the links or apply via our Careers page.
• Recruitment process – 1 behavioural 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.
• We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all candidates. Please contact our Careers team at  if you’d like to discuss any additional support during your application.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant laws.

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.

Leidos Australia is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, veterans, neuro‑diverse people, and people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages.