ENGINEERING | AREAS OF WORK
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY Experiment with emerging technologies alongside colleagues from other disciplines.
M
uch of defence engineering involves focusing on R&D to produce better support services and equipment for Singapore’s air, land and naval armies. Much work goes into advanced electronics and systems engineering, as the end product must meet extremely rigorous military requirements. Singapore’s defence technology is primarily managed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and includes intensive development and acquisitions designed to strengthen and support the country’s “Total Defence” policy. There are also other commercial organisations that provide defence engineering services or defence technology, though they tend to be government-linked. Defence technology also brings the opportunity to work on some of the most technologically-advanced projects in the world.
Career overview The industry is one of the most dynamic in the world, and graduates have the chance to solve complex problems with emerging, cutting-edge technology. As most defence requirements need global solutions, some positions necessitate mobility. However, even when based in one site, it is possible to have a very interesting career – sites tend to be large, hosting a variety of projects and encompassing a vast array of disciplines, with every engineer’s skills an intrinsic part of the team and project.
Trends and developments
Career highlights
Unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) and weapons systems are becoming increasingly vital in defence technology, allowing soldiers to perform reconnaissance missions and dangerous missions with minimal risk. However, this would not be possible without an area many graduates keen on a career in defence technology often overlook; network security. In order for technologies across different mediums – such as electronic, land, air and marine – to function as a unified system, a comprehensive and well-protected defence communications network is key. At present, as well, where project timescales used to be longer, with technologies languishing in development for years, new capabilities must now be conceptualised, tested, manufactured and rolled out in a much shorter timeframe.
A variety of duties and people One of the main draws of the industry is the diversity of duties and people; graduates may find themselves working in a laboratory one day, and assigned a research task onsite the very next. On top of making for a vastly interesting career, there is also a wide range of professionals recruits have the opportunity to meet and learn from. Contributing to a larger cause The opportunity to contribute to the safety of the nation is another positive point, and many find supporting and strengthening Singapore’s security incredibly gratifying. Skills required in defence technology
• A solid engineering background • Creativity • An open mind • Critical thinking skills • Trustworthiness and discretion • Diplomacy
STEM Career Guide 2021
77
