ABOUT PRAETORIAN AERONAUTICS
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. We pride ourselves on pushing technological boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the complex demands of our clients.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Propulsion Engineer to join our Flight Vehicle Development team. The successful candidate will support the design, development, integration, and analysis of propulsion systems that underpin the performance, reliability, and safety of advanced UAS and counter UAS platforms.
This role contributes across the full system lifecycle — from early-stage concept development and propulsion trade studies through to detailed design, system integration, ground and flight testing, and performance verification. The Propulsion Engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across aerodynamics, flight dynamics, guidance and control, structures, and systems engineering to develop and validate propulsion solutions that meet mission objectives, minimise risk, and comply with stringent performance, safety, and Defence requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design & Analysis
* Develop and maintain analytical, physics-based, and data-driven models to support propulsion system concept development, performance prediction, and optimisation across operating envelopes.
* Conduct propulsion performance, efficiency, thermal, and operability analyses, including interactions with airframe, flight dynamics, and mission profiles, to inform engineering trade-offs and design decisions.
* Perform propulsion sizing studies, parametric analyses, and trade assessments to support architecture selection, requirements definition, and system integration activities.
Testing & Validation
* Correlate propulsion models and performance predictions with component-, subsystem-, and system-level ground test and flight test data to validate assumptions and model fidelity.
* Update and refine propulsion analyses and models based on empirical test results, ensuring traceability, repeatability, and suitability for certification and Defence assurance.
* Support propulsion test planning by developing pre-test performance predictions, defining test objectives and success criteria, and contributing to post-test data reduction, analysis, and technical reporting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
* Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent).
* Fundamental knowledge of propulsion systems (ICE, electric, hybrid, or turbine) and their integration within flight vehicles.
* Experience with analytical, modelling, or simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, Python) for performance analysis and system evaluation.
* Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply first-principles engineering judgement.
* Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, test, and systems domains.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation.
* Experience contributing to UAS, aerospace, or Defence engineering programs.
* Proficiency with CAD tools for component or system-level design.
Desirable
* Understanding of military/Defence structural standards.
* Understanding of UAS/Aircraft Design Principles
* Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital design environments.
Personal Attributes
* Strong analytical thinker with keen attention to detail.
* Proactive and solution-focused when approaching technical challenges.
* Collaborative team player, comfortable working across multidisciplinary groups.
* Eager to learn and contribute to technical projects under guidance.
* Able to manage tasks effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
* 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.