Design and validate the propulsion systems that power Praetorian’s autonomous interceptors and long-endurance UAS platforms.

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:

• Arrow – an autonomous, high-speed, low-cost, VTOL interceptor for neutralisation of multiple UxS threat-types beyond visual range
• Dagger – a new class of modular, low-cost, autonomous, high-speed interceptor for long-range, high-altitude kinetic neutralisation of UxS targets
• 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

Propulsion systems directly determine the speed, range, endurance, and responsiveness of autonomous defence platforms. For systems like Arrow and Dagger, propulsion is tightly coupled to mission success—enabling rapid interception, high-altitude engagement, and reliable performance under demanding conditions.

This role ensures Praetorian’s propulsion systems are not only high-performing, but robust, testable, and ready for real-world deployment across a range of operational environments.

The Role

You will contribute across the full lifecycle of propulsion system development—from early concept and trade studies through to detailed design, integration, and flight validation.

Working across Arrow, Dagger, and Venator platforms, you will collaborate with teams in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, structures, and systems engineering to develop propulsion solutions that meet performance, safety, and Defence requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Develop analytical and simulation models to predict propulsion system performance across mission profiles
• Conduct propulsion sizing, trade studies, and optimisation to support architecture and design decisions
• Analyse efficiency, thermal behaviour, and operability in the context of full vehicle performance
• Integrate propulsion systems with airframe, flight dynamics, and control systems
• Support ground and flight testing, including defining test objectives and analysing results
• Correlate models with test data to improve accuracy, reliability, and design confidence

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
• Strong understanding of propulsion systems (ICE, electric, hybrid, or turbine) and integration within flight vehicles
• Experience with modelling and simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, Python)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in first-principles engineering
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Ability to produce clear and structured technical documentation

Nice to Have

• Experience contributing to UAS, aerospace, or Defence programs
• Proficiency with CAD tools for component or system-level design
• Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering environments
• Understanding of aircraft design principles or Defence engineering standards

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.