Aerospace Engineer (UAV SYSTEMS)

Freespace Operations; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Freespace Operations in Melbourne is seeking an Aerospace Engineer to design, simulate, and develop next-generation heavy-lift drones. You will work with multidisciplinary teams spanning systems engineering, production technology, automation, and avionics to deliver robust UAV solutions.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred), CFD and control systems experience, and strong Python/data-analysis skills for testing and validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline.
• CFD expertise and control system design experience.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and simulation.
• Knowledge of PLC-based automation and industrial electronics.
• Experience with heavy-lift UAVs and payload integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise Python-based tools for UAV testing and data analysis.
• Improve UAV performance via testing, aerodynamics and system integration.
• Design flight control systems for stability and autonomous ops.
• Assist in optimising manufacturing assembly systems.
• Integrate automated control systems including PLCs for production testing.
• Collaborate with R&D and production to translate designs into manufacturable solutions.
• Conduct design and performance evaluations to identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Python programming

CFD

Control systems design

Industrial electronics

UAV systems

Data analysis

Automation

PLC-based automation

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Freespace Operations is seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Engineer with demonstrated expertise in industrial electronics and automation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), control system design, and Python programming. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the design, simulation, and development of next-generation heavy-lift drones, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams specialising in systems engineering, production technology, automation, and avionics development.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise algorithms and simulation tools using Python to facilitate testing, performance evaluation, and data analysis for UAV systems
• Evaluate and improve UAV performance through iterative testing, aerodynamic optimisation, and system integration, ensuring reliability and safety
• Design and implement advanced flight control systems to maintain stability, enhance flight dynamics, and enable autonomous operations for unmanned aerial vehicles
• Contribute to the optimisation of manufacturing assembly systems
• Integrate automated control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), to enhance testing, validation, and automation processes in the production of UAV components and systems
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams to translate designs into manufacturable solutions
• Conduct comprehensive design and performance evaluations of UAV systems, identifying key areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance overall system effectiveness

About you

• Minimum Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline, master's degree preferred
• Minimum one year of relevant production experience with heavy-lift multirotor Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Demonstrated expertise in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Experience in Control System Design for aerospace or robotics applications
• Proficiency in Python programming for algorithm development, data analysis, and simulation tools
• Knowledge of PLC-based automation and industrial electronics
• Experience in the optimisation of manufacturing assembly systems
• Experience in the design and integration of high-tech drone payloads
• Organised, detail oriented and self-motivated

About us

Freespace Operations is an Australian manufacturer of heavy-lift industrial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) based in Melbourne. We specialise in the design, manufacture and support of advanced heavy-lift UAS for the global defence, enterprise, and public safety sectors.