Job Description Some engineers build aircraft Others make them unstoppable. This team sits firmly in the second camp - designing the structural backbone of next-generation UAVs built for speed, resilience, and real-world performance. We’re looking for an Aerospace Engineer who’s taken designs from concept to flight - someone who knows every gram saved is a story of trade-offs, equations, and ingenuity. Here, you’ll support the design and analysis of composite, metallic, and additive-manufactured structures, balancing lightweight design with durability and certification demands. You’ll support the full lifecycle - simulation, testing, validation, and production - and collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, propulsion specialists, and flight test engineers to bring advanced UAV systems to life. If you love turning elegant theory into aircraft that can take a hit and keep flying, this is the kind of work that will get you out of bed in the morning. What you’ll do Contribute to design and FEA analysis for advanced airframe structures Apply topology optimisation for lightweight, certifiable designs Define and oversee structural testing campaigns Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity through concept, build, and flight test Shape the direction of future UAV platforms What you’ll bring 2 years in structural design and analysis across composite, metallic or additive-manufactured components Proficiency with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or HyperMesh Deep understanding of lightweighting, fatigue, and airworthiness standards Strong problem-solving instincts and a bias for getting things built Australian citizenship (required for Defence projects) Why join Real ownership, end-to-end - your structures fly. ESOP in a fast-moving, privately-funded company. Rapid prototyping and flight tests. Career head-room in a scaling, engineering-first team (minimal bureaucracy). Flex for life - no fixed WFH days, use it when you need it. Relocate to Adelaide - here’s why it’s worth it: Lower cost of living compared to Sydney/Melbourne, so your salary goes further. A strong and growing defence and space ecosystem - you’ll be part of a regional hub doing meaningful tech. High quality of life: great beaches, wine regions nearby and a more relaxed pace of life - perfect for all-round wellbeing. Opportunity to help build something in a community-rich environment instead of being a small cog in a megacity. Please note the successful candidate must be able to obtain security clearance and comply with ITAR regulations. Reach out to Thaís on thais@theonset.com.au to find out more.
