Advanced Composite Structures Australia | ACS Australia is pleased to have hosted two outstanding Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP) interns for the 2025–2026 intake: Oliver Lancaster and Luke O’Brien.
The Defence Industry Internship Program connects talented engineering students with Australian Defence companies, providing hands-on industry experience and exposure to advanced technologies that support Australia’s sovereign Defence capability.
At ACS Australia, the interns are embedded within the engineering and manufacturing teams, gaining practical experience in composite structures, aerospace manufacturing processes, and Defence-related technology development.
Oliver Lancaster – Mechanical Engineering Intern
Oliver Lancaster is a Mechanical Engineering Intern. He is currently studying engineering and has developed strong technical experience through his involvement with Monash High Powered Rocketry, where he has worked in propulsion, simulation and leadership roles.
During his placement at ACS Australia, Oliver gained hands-on experience with advanced composite manufacturing processes, including work supporting projects involving high-performance composite materials and aerospace-grade structures.
His internship provided exposure to both engineering development and workshop-based manufacturing, allowing him to see the full lifecycle of composite structures from concept to production.
“This internship at ACS Australia has enabled me to experience complex composite problems through the entire process of research, design, simulation, and manufacture. My mentors allowed me to take ownership of my projects and work independently, whilst also providing a space to learn. I am now continuing as an undergraduate engineer with ACS Australia, and I am excited to work on even more challenging projects with such incredible people!” – Oliver Lancaster
![[L-R] Bernadette Grant working with Oliver Lancaster at ACS Australia composites manufacturing facility as part of the Defence Industry Internship Program.](https://acs-aus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bernadette_Grant_Oliver_Lancaster_Filament_Winding_Carbon_Fibre_ACS_Australia_2026-scaled.jpg)
Luke O’Brien – Aerospace Engineering Intern
Luke O’Brien is an Aerospace Engineering Intern, bringing previous experience working with Monash Motorsport, where he developed practical skills in composite structures and high-performance engineering projects.
Through his internship, Luke gained hands-on experience supporting the manufacture of composite components used in aerospace and Defence applications, while learning about the engineering processes involved in delivering complex composite structures.
The placement provides valuable exposure to industrial composite manufacturing and advanced engineering workflows, complementing Luke’s academic studies in aerospace engineering.
Supervisor Perspective
ACS Australia DIIP Supervisor Bernadette Grant highlighted the importance of the program in developing Australia’s future engineering workforce.
“The Defence Industry Internship Program is a fantastic opportunity to introduce emerging engineers to the real-world challenges and innovations within the Defence sector. Oliver and Luke have both shown strong enthusiasm and curiosity, and it’s rewarding to see them developing their practical engineering skills while contributing to our projects.” – Bernadette Grant
Supporting Australia’s Future Defence Engineers
ACS Australia is proud to support the Defence Industry Internship Program, which plays an important role in developing the next generation of engineers for Australia’s Defence and aerospace industries.
The DIIP offers a paid internship, allowing students to work on real-world projects within small to medium Defence industry organisations across Australia. Interns gain exposure to the latest technologies and develop critical employability skills.
Applications for the 2026/2027 intake will open towards the middle of the year, with internships commencing in later in 2026. For more information on the program and application details, please visit the official DIIP website: diip.com.au.