Structural Engineer

Location:
Melbourne / Adelaide

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 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. The Structural Engineer will also play a leadership role, guiding a small team of engineers while working closely with multidisciplinary groups across aerodynamics, propulsion, systems engineering, and flight testing to deliver lightweight, durable, and certifiable structures that meet demanding performance, safety, and Defence requirements.

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

Essential

• 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, HyperMesh).
• 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, SolidWorks, NX).
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing techniques (CFRP layup, machining, bonding, additive manufacturing).
• Understanding of military/Defence structural standards.

Desirable

• 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 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.