Job Title

Lead the verification and flight validation of autonomous defence systems designed to counter drone swarms.About PraetorianPraetorian 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 23 drone threatsHadrian an AI-enhanced command and control system enabling operators to deploy interceptors at scaleVenator a long-endurance autonomous mothership UAS capable of deploying interceptors and extending operational reachTogether, these systems enable defence operators to detect, assess, and defeat autonomous threats while maintaining situational dominance in contested environments.Why This Role MattersAutonomous defence systems must be proven in real conditions before they can be deployed operationally. Test and evaluation is where engineering design becomes validated capability.As Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer, youll define how Praetorians flight systems are verified, integrated, and proven ready for deployment.Youll lead the verification and validation of Praetorians flight vehicle systems across ground testing, system integration, and flight campaigns.Working across structures, propulsion, avionics, autonomy, and mission systems, youll ensure engineering requirements are testable, validated, and aligned with operational objectives.What Youll DoOwn and maintain the program-level Test & Evaluation Master PlanLead verification and validation activities across multiple flight systemsPlan and execute ground and flight test campaignsCoordinate safety reviews, readiness activities, and post-flight analysisDevelop and maintain verification artefacts including test plans, procedures, and reportsIdentify and manage technical risks discovered during integration and testingMentor and guide test engineers within the Flight Vehicle Development teamCommunicate test progress and results to engineering leadership and stakeholdersWhat Were Looking ForExperience in test engineering within complex aerospace or defence programsStrong grounding in systems engineering and verification & validationExperience planning and executing ground and flight test campaignsExperience with autonomous or uncrewed aircraft systemsProven ability to lead engineers in technically demanding environmentsNice to HaveExperience operating in regulated airspace or flight test environmentsFamiliarity with defence aviation programs or autonomous flight systemsExperience working across multidisciplinary engineering teamsCompetitive salary and employee share option plan (ESOP)Work on advanced autonomy and defence technologyJoin a highly technical engineering team building real flight systemsReal ownership and influence as Praetorian scalesProfessional development and learning opportunitiesSecurity & Compliance RequirementsDue to the nature of our work with defence and national security partners, the successful applicant must 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 on [email protected] or hit Apply! #J-18808-Ljbffr