"Research Engineer"

• Based in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Adelaide City Campus East
• Full-time, fixed term position until December 2026
• Level A - $81,293 - $109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

We are seeking an experienced Research Engineer to work on AI driven decision making in the School of Computer Science and Information Technology.

In this role, you will work with our partners Praetorian Aeronautics and their testing team to field test emerging AI agent-based technology and push forward projects of national significance. You will develop state of the art AI-driven decision-making solutions, learn first-hand about the current state of integrating AI-driven decision-making solutions as they operate in varied scenarios and will have a meaningful impact on the future direction of critically deployed solutions.

Working with other researchers and engineers in the team, you will share broad goals in decision making in contested and dynamic environments, multi-agent reinforcement learning, planning and secure and robust machine learning solutions.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team with a blue-sky research focus and with a hands-on approach to experimentation allied to strong theoretical underpinnings. A relevant first degree in computer science, engineering or related discipline is essential. You will be a strong team player and be able to communicate and work with the investigators and industrial partners.

Work that matters

The University’s College of Engineering and Information Technology brings together expertise across aviation, computer science, construction management, and the full spectrum of 21st-century engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, environmental, and biomedical engineering. With strengths in AI, energy transition technologies, advanced manufacturing, biomedical innovations, and sustainable infrastructure, research is seamlessly integrated into teaching. Students learn in first-class facilities alongside leading researchers ‘what’s discovered one day is taught the next’ equipping graduates to drive innovation and tackle the grand challenges of our time.

The team

Our team think boldly, tackle complex challenges, and utilise data-driven insights to create solutions that strengthen communities. Our graduates are innovators and entrepreneurs, designing and building a future that is more sustainable, inclusive, and connected.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the College of Engineering and Information Technology.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

Qualifications:

• A PhD in the relevant discipline or have equivalent qualifications or research experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and development, including leading research, where applicable, in reinforcement learning, planning, optimisation and heuristics in Counter UAS, weapon target assignment problems or similar.
• Strong track record of high-quality publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity
• Evidence of being involved in professional activities related to the research
• Demonstrated ability to guide and oversee postgraduate and honours students in the research area and supervise research-support staff
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate across disciplines and collaborate with industry
• High level organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage workload within and busy environment and meet competing deadlines

Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:

• your current CV
• a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11:30pm, Tuesday 24 March 2026.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 492563):

Rachael Cossons
Talent Acquisition Adviser
+61 8 8302 1700| careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au