Praetorian Aeronautics is a leader in aerospace innovation, dedicated to the design and production of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for both military and civilian applications.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Structural Engineer (Level3) to join our Flight Vehicle Development team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of airframe and structural components for advanced UAS platforms.
This role spans the full lifecycle — from conceptual design and simulation through to prototype testing, certification, and in-service support.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Analysis: Lead the development of structural designs for composite, metallic, and additive-manufactured components.
- Perform advanced stress analysis, finite element modelling (FEA), and structural optimisation.
- Apply topology optimisation techniques to achieve structural lightweighting while meeting performance and safety requirements.
- Evaluate structural performance under static, fatigue, thermal, and dynamic load conditions.
Testing & Validation
- Define and oversee structural testing campaigns, including coupon, sub-component, and full-scale tests.
- Correlate analytical models with physical test results to validate structural integrity and performance.
- Support crashworthiness, survivability, and airworthiness assessments.
- Lifecycle Engineering: Contribute to requirements development, design reviews, and integration activities.
- Provide structural expertise to manufacturing, assembly, and quality teams.
- Support flight test readiness, ground handling, and in-service investigations.
- Collaboration & Reporting: Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers within the structural team.
- Liaise with suppliers, universities, and Defence partners on advanced structural R&D.;
- Prepare detailed engineering documentation, reports, and certification evidence.
- Present findings, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
Selection Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in structural design, analysis, and testing, including metallic, composite, and additive-manufactured structures.
- Demonstrated expertise in topology optimisation and structural lightweighting.
- Proficiency with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, Hyper Mesh).
- Knowledge of structural mechanics, fatigue, fracture, and damage tolerance.
- Familiarity with aerospace standards, certification processes, and Defence requirements.
- Strong problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
- Proven experience in UAS, defence, or aerospace programs.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, Solid Works, NX).
- Practical knowledge of manufacturing techniques (CFRP layup, machining, bonding, additive manufacturing).
- Understanding of military/Defence structural standards.
- Experience leading small engineering teams or projects.
- Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital design environments.
- Involvement in certification campaigns or Defence acquisition programs.
Personal Attributes
- Analytical thinker with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proactive and solutions-driven in addressing structural challenges.
- Collaborative leader who can foster teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Confident balancing technical delivery with mentoring responsibilities.
- Able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced Defence workplace.
- Committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Employment Screening and Security Requirements
- Candidates must undergo a police check.
- The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and hold an Australian Government security clearance. Eligibility requires Australian citizenship and the ability to meet security vetting criteria.
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📌 Structural Engineer
🏢 Praetorian Aeronautics
📍 Whyalla