Mobile Systems Engineer

Western Sydney University; Penrith City Council; Hybrid; AUD 109,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

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Job summary

Western Sydney University, Penrith Campus, is seeking a specialist engineer to design, fabricate, integrate and operate fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms for ICNS research. The role requires translating research requirements into practical engineering solutions and delivering advanced airborne platforms for autonomous and neuromorphic applications.

You will conduct ground and flight tests, maintain comprehensive documentation for safety and compliance, and provide technical guidance to

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing, fabricating, assembling and operating fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms.
• Experience using CAD/CAM technologies to produce aircraft components.
• Strong skills in sensors, payloads, flight controllers and processing interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, integrate and operate fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms for research.
• Translate requirements into practical engineering solutions for airborne platforms.
• Conduct ground and flight testing to verify performance and reliability.
• Maintain documentation and procedures for safe, compliant operations.
• Provide technical guidance to staff using specialised manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Aircraft design

Sensor integration

Flight controllers

Autonomous systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD

CAM

Job description

• Full-time, 12 Month Fixed-Term position at HEW Level 7.
• Penrith Campus with Flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $108,659 – $117,202 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Design, integrate and operate fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms that support advanced research, testing and data collection.

The Opportunity
You will provide specialist engineering expertise to support the design, fabrication, integration, testing and operation of fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms used in ICNS research.

You will develop and deploy custom airborne platforms, integrating sensors, research equipment, payloads, flight controllers, communication systems and processing interfaces. Your work will support autonomous aircraft, neuromorphic sensing technologies, drone-detection systems and agricultural drone applications.

You will translate research and project requirements into practical engineering solutions, conduct ground and flight testing, and maintain the documentation and procedures needed for safe, compliant operations. You will also provide technical guidance to staff using specialised manufacturing equipment and processes.

What Success Looks Like:

• Design and develop reliable fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms for research, testing and data collection.
• Integrate sensors, payloads, flight controllers and processing systems into safe, functional airborne platforms.
• Deliver flight-control, communication and processing interfaces that support autonomous and coordinated operations.
• Plan and conduct ground and flight testing to verify performance, reliability and project outcomes.
• Maintain safe, compliant aircraft operations and complete technical and engineering records.

Please refer to the Position Descriptionfor full details.

About You

• A degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and training.
• Demonstrated experience designing, fabricating, assembling and operating fixed-wing aircraft and drone platforms.
• Experience using computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies to produce aircraft components and systems.
• Demonstrated capability integrating sensors, payloads, flight controllers and associated systems into airborne platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management and communication skills, with experience delivering technical projects within agreed timeframes.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare:Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.
• Position Enquiries: Direct to Gregory Cohen, Director, International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems via*******@westernsydney.edu.au or Ashay Dhamdhere, Engineering Projects Team Leader, ICNS via ***********@westernsydney.edu.au.Please include the job reference code REF1897Z.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 20 October 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact ***************@westernsydney.edu.au.

About ICNS
The International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) is a Centre within the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development at Western Sydney University. ICNS is explicitly interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise in electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing and neuroscience.

The Centre focuses on developing neuromorphic engineering solutions to address real-world challenges and existing problems. ICNS has strong international partnerships and collaborations across the global neuromorphic engineering community.

Further information is available on the ICNS website: http://westernsydney.edu.au/icns

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.