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 a skilled Systems Engineer with a Verification & Validation (V&V) focus to join our Flight Vehicle Development team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of our next-generation UAS platforms.

The successful candidate will work across the full systems engineering lifecycle, with responsibilities spanning requirements analysis, system architecture, integration, and rigorous verification and validation activities. Key tasks include leading and executing FMEA, FMECA, fault tree analyses, safety assessments, and V&V planning and execution in both hardware and software domains.

The role requires a structured systems engineering mindset, strong analytical skills, and a passion for precision in high-paced, multidisciplinary environments.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering

• Capture, analyse, and manage stakeholder and system-level requirements.
• Develop and maintain system architecture, interface definitions, and design documentation.
• Ensure traceability of requirements through design, implementation, and verification stages.
• Support configuration management and maintain system baselines.

Verification & Validation

• Develop and execute V&V strategies, plans, and procedures in line with aerospace and Defence standards.
• Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), and fault tree analysis.
• Perform system safety assessments and prepare certification evidence.
• Lead and conduct hardware/software integration testing, ground trials, and flight test support.
• Capture, analyse, and report test results, logging defects and managing corrective actions.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, software, hardware, flight test, and external partners).
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and findings to project managers, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Provide engineering input to certification, safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, documentation, and assurance practices.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in systems engineering and V&V, ideally within Defence or Aerospace sectors.
• Strong understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle and V&V methodologies.
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and test management systems.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale test projects, system integration, or flight test support.
• Ability to perform FMEA, FMECA, and fault tree analyses.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of aircraft design, autonomous systems, or defence-related projects.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML.
• Familiarity with applicable standards: ISO/IEC 15288, MIL-STD-810, DO-178C, ASDEFCON.
• Background in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), simulation environments, or UAS-specific testing.

Personal Attributes

• Structured thinker with high attention to detail.
• Strong collaborator, comfortable working across diverse teams.
• Able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive problem solver with a focus on quality and compliance.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Employment Screening and Security Requirements

Praetorian Aeronautics is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity in our operations.

• The preferred candidate will be required to 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.