Build and lead the commercial engine that takes Praetorian’s autonomous defence systems from capability to deployed programs across global defence markets.

About Praetorian

Praetorian Aeronautics builds advanced autonomous aerial systems designed to protect and defend against the rapidly evolving threat of drone warfare.

Headquartered in Adelaide, we are developing an integrated ecosystem of counter-autonomy systems including:

• Dagger – a modular autonomous interceptor designed to defeat Group 2–3 drone threats
• Hadrian – an AI-enhanced command and control system enabling operators to deploy interceptors at scale
• Venator – a long-endurance autonomous mothership UAS capable of deploying interceptors and extending operational reach

Together, these systems enable defence operators to detect, assess, and defeat autonomous threats while maintaining situational dominance in contested environments.

Why This Role Matters

The next generation of defence capability will not be won through incremental procurement—it will be shaped by companies that can align product, mission, and customer need before formal programs exist.

Praetorian is building systems designed for deployment, not demonstration. This role is critical to ensuring those systems are adopted—by shaping customer requirements, securing strategic partnerships, and converting operational demand into long-term programs across priority global markets.

The Role

This is not a traditional sales leadership role. You will build and lead Praetorian’s business development function as a core part of the company’s operating model.

Working directly with the Chief Product Officer, you will align market demand with product strategy—ensuring what we build is what wins, and what wins is what gets deployed. You will lead international market development, capture strategy, and the formation of a high-performance BD organisation operating across EU and Middle East defence markets.

What You’ll Do

• Build and lead a high-performance business development organisation across priority international markets
• Identify and shape strategic opportunities with defence ministries, operational units, and industry partners
• Develop deep, multi-layered relationships across political, operational, and technical stakeholders
• Lead end-to-end capture and deal execution, from opportunity shaping through to contract award
• Structure partnerships, including local industry participation and strategic alliances
• Translate customer needs into product insights, influencing roadmap and capability development

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated success closing complex defence or national security deals
• Experience operating in EU and/or Middle East defence markets
• Strong understanding of defence procurement, capability development cycles, and contracting environments
• Proven ability to originate and shape opportunities prior to formal procurement processes
• Experience building and leading high-performing business development or capture teams

Nice to Have

• Background in high-growth defence or dual-use technology companies
• Experience working with autonomous systems, aerospace, or robotics platforms
• Familiarity with international partnerships, offsets, and industrial participation models
• Experience scaling business development functions from early-stage to growth

Benefits

• Competitive salary and employee share option plan (ESOP)
• Work on advanced autonomy and defence technology
• Join a small, highly technical engineering team
• Real ownership and influence as Praetorian scales
• Professional development and learning opportunities

Security & Compliance Requirements

Due to the nature of our work with defence and national security partners, the successful applicant will need to undergo a National Police Check, be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance, and comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Interested to find out more? Reach out to us at careers@praetorian-aeronautics.com or hit Apply.