AI and Autonomy Internship

Praetorian Aeronautics is an Australian defence technology company delivering cutting-edge autonomous aerial systems (UAS) and AI-enhanced software designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving strategic landscape. Its attritable, modular systems are built for complex, multi-domain environments, enabling defence and civil operators to counter swarm drone threats, extend operational reach, and maintain situational dominance. With a focus on scalability, resilience, and cost-effective performance, Praetorian delivers adaptable solutions that protect frontline forces, secure infrastructure, and monitor expansive land and maritime domains, strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability while enabling allied nations to do the same.

Praetorian Aeronautics is offering an AI and Autonomy Internship for students to work within its skilled AI and Robotics team, contributing to advanced aerial autonomy and swarming capabilities. Interns will gain hands-on experience in aerial robotics, swarming and multi-agent systems, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and sensor fusion, working on mission autonomy stacks, hardware development, simulation environments, and field testing.

Applicants should have skills in at least one relevant field, a basic ability to write software, and an understanding of version control systems. Experience with C/C++, Python, GitLab, Pixhawk/ArduPilot, or Jetson Orin is desirable but not essential.

This internship offers direct exposure to practical deployment of aerial systems in the field, and the delivery of operational AI capabilities. Interns will also build experience in production development practices, including code reviews, CI/CD, documentation, and requirements analysis, within a fast-paced, high-tech environment contributing to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.ty.

Scope: 
To join a skilled AI and Robotics team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge defence capability, particularly in the domain of Aerial Autonomy and Swarming. Successful candidates will learn industry best practices whilst also making meaningful development impacts within the organisation.

Duration: 

8-20 weeks with flexibility to work part-time or full-time over different study periods

Required disciplines and skillsets: 

• Competency in one or more of the following fields while undertaking an undergraduate degree:
  Aerial Robotics (i.e. Drones)
  Swarming and Multi Agent Systems
  Guidance, Navigation and Control
  Sensor Fusion
• Basic ability to write software
• Basic understanding of version control systems (git)
• Preferred technology stack (but not mandatory): C/C++, GitLab, Shell Scripts, Python, Flight Control Stack (Pixhawk/ArduPilot), Jetson Orin

Expected learning outcomes: 

• Deeper understanding of Aerial Autonomous systems
• Deployment of Aerial Systems in the field
• Understanding of GNC and Sensor Fusion
• Better Appreciation for the deployment of practical AI systems
• Hands on experience in translating client requirements into results
• Production development practices (code reviews, CI/CD, documentation, requirements analysis)

Anticipated Tasks: 

• Contribute to the mission autonomy stack for an aerial robotic swarm
• Contribute to the development of the Praetorian AI and Autonomy hardware stack
• Contribute to the development of the Simulation Environments
• Support to field testing of Praetorian Autonomous Systems

Location:

9 Philips Crescent, Hendon SA 5014