Software Engineer

Build the software behind Hadrian, Praetorian's AI-enhanced command and control system coordinating autonomous defence against drone swarms.

About Praetorian

Praetorian Aeronautics builds advanced autonomous aerial systems designed to protect and defend against the rapidly evolving threat of drone warfare.

Headquartered in Adelaide, we are developing an integrated ecosystem of counter-autonomy systems including:

• Dagger - a modular autonomous interceptor designed to defeat Group 2-3 drone threats
• Hadrian - an AI-enhanced command and control system enabling operators to deploy interceptors at scale
• Venator - a long-endurance autonomous mothership UAS capable of deploying interceptors and extending operational reach

Together, these systems enable defence operators to detect, assess, and defeat autonomous threats while maintaining situational dominance in contested environments.

Why This Role Matters

Drone swarms represent one of the fastest-growing threats in modern warfare. Hadrian provides the command and control layer that allows operators to understand swarm behaviour, plan responses, and coordinate autonomous interceptors.

As a Software Engineer on Hadrian, you'll help build the platform that turns advanced autonomy research into operational defence capability.

The Role

You'll develop core services and systems within the Hadrian platform that support swarm analysis, mission coordination, and operational decision-making.

Working in Rust and Python, you'll contribute to the command-and-control software that connects Praetorian's autonomous defence systems and enables them to operate together in complex environments.

What You'll Do

• Develop high-performance services supporting counter-UAS operations
• Work with AI researchers to integrate algorithms into operational software
• Build and maintain Rust applications and services on Linux
• Test and optimise software to ensure reliability in operational environments

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years experience writing efficient system-level software
• Strong programming experience in Rust, C++ or similar languages
• A degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• Experience contributing to complex or distributed software systems
• Strong understanding of software architecture and development practices

Nice to Have

• Experience with embedded Linux or cross-platform system development
• Experience working with Nix
• Experience programming in Python
• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehicles
• Experience with reinforcement learning or machine learning systems
• Immediate mode UI experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary and employee share option plan (ESOP)
• Work on advanced autonomy and defence technology
• Join a small, highly technical engineering team
• Real ownership and influence as Praetorian scales
• Professional development and learning opportunities

Security & Compliance Requirements

Due to the nature of our work with defence and national security partners, the successful applicant will need to undergo a National Police Check, be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance and comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Interested to find out more? Reach out to us at or hit Apply.