Lead Powertrain Engineer

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.

The Role

Autonomous interceptors live or die on their propulsion systems. Getting the right thrust, at the right moment, across a range of demanding operational profiles is a hard engineering problem — and one that sits at the heart of what makes Praetorian's platforms effective.

You will own propulsion system development across Arrow, Dagger, and Venator — from early concept and trade studies through to integration and flight validation. That means building and refining analytical and simulation models, conducting sizing and trade studies to support design decisions, and integrating propulsion systems with airframe, flight dynamics, and control systems.

You will define test objectives, support ground and flight testing campaigns, and correlate models with real-world data to drive design confidence. Your work ensures propulsion is not a bottleneck — it's a competitive advantage.

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

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.