Engineering Hub Lead — AI/ML, RF & Embedded

DroneShield; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

DroneShield is seeking a Senior Engineering Leader to head the Adelaide-based R&D organisation, owning people, technology, and site operations. You will drive execution across RF sensing, DSP, embedded systems, and AI/ML while aligning with the global technology strategy.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, recruit top engineering talent, and ensure delivery of high-impact innovation in a fast-growing, defence-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 10+ years of engineering experience, with significant leadership responsibility in complex technical environments
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams at scale, ideally with site or organisational ownership
• Strong background in at least two of the following areas: RF systems / signal processing, Embedded systems, AI / Machine Learning, Electronic warfare, Distributed or high-performance systems
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex R&D or product development programs
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with autonomy
• Experience working with defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries is highly regarded

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the Adelaide R&D engineering function with strong execution across multiple technical domains
• Operate as the Adelaide Hub lead with accountability across people, technology and site operations
• Lead recruitment and retention of top-tier engineering talent in a competitive market
• Drive delivery of advanced engineering programs across RF sensing, DSP, embedded systems, AI/ML and algorithms
• Align Adelaide R&D Hub initiatives with Sydney HQ technology strategy and product roadmap while maintaining local ownership
• Manage project timelines, milestones and budgets across multiple projects
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers with focus on delivery and innovation
• Lead end-to-end engineering execution from concept to production readiness
• Collaborate with Product, Operations and global Engineering teams for seamless delivery
• Establish and enforce engineering best practices across development, testing and deployment
• Contribute to strategic leadership decisions with technical insight into future capabilities
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering velocity and product quality

Skills

Leadership

RF systems

Embedded systems

AI / Machine Learning

Electronic warfare

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

DroneShield is seeking a Senior Engineering Leader to head the Adelaide-based R&D organisation, owning people, technology, and site operations. You will drive execution across RF sensing, DSP, embedded systems, and AI/ML while aligning with the global technology strategy.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, recruit top engineering talent, and ensure delivery of high-impact innovation in a fast-growing, defence-oriented environment.