We think it’s about time you were introduced to Heidi Swannell, a mechanical engineering and industrial design student at QUT, who’s already ticking off real-world goals thanks to an internship with Rheinmetall Defence Australia!
As you might have guessed, Rheinmetall isn’t just your average engineering gig. After joining the team, Heidi quickly found herself in the middle of a high-tech, high-impact environment where she didn’t just shadow engineers; she became one. From designing a jig to actually watching it get manufactured, tested and used on-site, she saw the full product lifecycle unfold right in front of her eyes. “It was the first time something I designed became a real part,” she shares. “That was really cool.”
The best part? This wasn’t a one-and-done opportunity. After finishing the internship, Heidi was offered a contract extension and is still working at Rheinmetall today while also expanding her skillset with a second engineering firm. Real work, real results, and real growth. Now that’s an internship worth talking about! Want to know more? Tune into the full interview to discover:
- How internships can turn into long-term roles.
- What it’s like to see your own designs come to life.
- The support network that helps interns succeed.
- Real skills students build in the defence industry.
- Why asking questions is your superpower in the workplace.
And much, much more!
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If the name ‘Rheinmetall’ makes you think of global defence tech, you’re not wrong, but that’s just the tip of the innovation iceberg. With cutting-edge operations in military vehicle production, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and beyond, Rheinmetall is where engineering meets real-world impact.
But don’t let the scale intimidate you. At Rheinmetall Defence Australia, students and grads are seen as future experts, not just interns passing through. From day one, you’re embedded in meaningful projects, not just left fetching coffee or shadowing in the background. The environment is fast-paced but incredibly supportive, with mentors, buddies, and supervisors all committed to helping you grow your confidence and skillset.
Rheinmetall is proof that a defence industry career doesn’t have to feel traditional or dry. It can be fresh, creative, and full of unexpected pathways. If you’re a curious thinker, an ambitious problem-solver, or someone who wants their work to matter, it might just be your perfect match. So, what are you waiting for? Launch your own career with Rheinmetall today!
