Senior Computer Vision Engineer

Own the perception stack that allows our interceptors to find, identify and track threats in real time. 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, with offices in Melbourne and Darwin, we develop an integrated ecosystem of counter-autonomy systems spanning high-speed interceptors for kinetic neutralisation of drone threats at range, and AI-enhanced command and control systems that let operators deploy interceptors at scale. Together, these systems enable defence operators to detect, assess, and defeat autonomous threats while maintaining situational dominance in contested environments.

The Role Detection, classification and tracking sit at the core of how our interceptors find and engage a threat. This role owns that capability end to end — from algorithm performance through to integration on physical platforms — and shapes how reliably the system performs under real-world conditions.

We're looking for a Senior Computer Vision Engineer to own the detection, classification and tracking capabilities within our terminal guidance systems. Working versions of these components are already integrated into the system; you'll refine their performance, reliability and testability while leading their integration into simulated and physical platforms. You'll also provide technical leadership to two engineers, with the team expected to grow over time.

What You'll Do

• Own the technical development of our detection, classification and tracking modules
• Lead their integration into the wider guidance system
• Guide and coordinate the engineers working across this area
• Improve testing, evaluation and data-management practices
• Diagnose, resolve and deploy fixes within tight testing timelines
• Collaborate with software, autonomy and hardware engineers

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in computer vision, perception or robotics, including deploying perception capabilities on physical robotic systems — not solely in a lab environment
• Strong Python skills and experience with relevant computer vision or machine learning frameworks
• Knowledge of traditional and model-based computer vision techniques, including image processing, object detection, classification and real-time tracking
• An understanding of data fusion, dataset management and performance evaluation
• Experience integrating software with sensors, compute hardware and physical platforms, and diagnosing issues across those boundaries under time pressure
• The ability to set technical direction and coordinate the work of others while remaining hands-on
• Clear cross-disciplinary communication and sound judgement in an environment where requirements and priorities evolve quickly
• A bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, engineering or a related field

Nice to Have

• Experience in autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace or defence

Security & Compliance Requirements

• Citizenship of Australia or a Five Eyes nation, with eligibility to obtain an Australian Government security clearance in the future
• A genuine willingness to work in defence technology and contribute to Praetorian's mission