Senior Engine Calibration Engineer

Orbital UAV; City Of Stirling; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative engineering team

Real impact on product performance

Job summary

Orbital UAV is seeking a permanent, full-time position for an experienced engine calibration specialist in Balcatta, Western Australia. The role involves leading the calibration, testing, and optimization of propulsion systems specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics, with 5-10 years of experience in engine calibration and a strong knowledge of 2-stroke engines. You'll contribute to innovative UAV technology within a collaborative engineering team, impacting product performance directly.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ engine calibration experience in automotive, aerospace, or marine.
• Experience with DVP, DFMEA, 8D, Fishbone diagrams.
• Experience in calibration using Model-Based Calibration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead engine calibration, testing, and optimisation.
• Analyse combustion and flight data to enhance performance.
• Support development of engine control strategies.

Skills

Engine calibration experience

Knowledge of 2-stroke engines

Analytical skills

Hands-on experience

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics

Tools

ATI Vision

INCA

CANape

MATLAB MBC

Job description

Orbital UAV Pty Ltd is a globally renowned leader in designing and manufacturing advanced propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Based in Balcatta, Western Australia, with operations in the United States, the company brings over four decades of expertise to the tactical and defense UAV market. Specializing in heavy-fuel propulsion systems for Group 2 and Group 3 UAV platforms, Orbital UAV products deliver superior reliability, endurance, and performance in challenging mission environments. The firm is dedicated to mission assurance and operational excellence, offering a suite of services, including “mission-ready” engines, customized solutions, and comprehensive through-life support. Orbital UAV drives innovation to enhance UAV performance for defense and commercial markets globally.

This role is permanent, full-time based in Balcatta, WA 6021.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engine calibration, testing, and optimisation (steady-state & transient)
• Analyse combustion and flight data to improve performance
• Support development of engine control strategies (start, load, environmental corrections)
• Support ECU software and diagnostics development
• Manage calibration data, change control, and testing readiness
• Manage technicians and support customer and project delivery needs
• Coordinate engine calibration readiness, engine test cell and technician resource availability in alignment with program key deliverable timelines.

About You

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics or similar
• 5–10 years’ engine calibration experience (automotive, aerospace or marine)
• Strong knowledge of 2‑stroke engines, combustion and fuel systems
• Experience with tools like ATI Vision, INCA, CANape or similar
• Experience in engine calibration utilising Model‑Based Calibration techniques and Design of Experiments would be well regarded (e.g. MATLAB MBC)
• Experience with DVP, DFMEA, 8D, Fishbone diagrams.
• Analytical, hands‑on and results‑driven

Why Join Us?

• Work on innovative UAV technology
• Collaborative, high‑performing engineering team
• Real impact on product performance and development

Apply now to help shape the future of UAV propulsion systems.