Supersonic Target Drone - Rocket - Aerospace Engineer

Engineering, IT, Mathematics and Statistics

PLEASE NOTE

  • Due to the sensitivity and security of this project, students must have Australian Citizenship to apply.

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER

At Amiga Engineering, our commitment to excellence spans over 35 years, making us a trusted name in advanced manufacturing solutions. As proud recipients of the Victorian Manufacturer of the Year for Small Business 2024, Most Innovative Manufacturer of the Year 2024, and Manufacturer of the Year 2024 at the Endeavour Awards, we invite you to explore the diverse capabilities that set us apart.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

  1. Hands-on Aerospace Innovation – Work on real-world aerodynamic optimization, rocket motor chemistry, and avionics integration for a next-generation high-speed rocket system.
  2. Industry Mentorship & Exposure – Collaborate with engineers and scientists with deep experience in aerospace, propulsion, and defense R&D.
  3. Access to Advanced Engineering Tools – Utilize CFD simulations, materials testing, and navigation system prototyping to refine cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
  4. Pathway to Future Opportunities – Build industry connections that could lead to potential employment or further research opportunities in aerospace, defense, or high-speed flight technology.
  5. Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Work in a cross-functional mechanical, chemical, and electronics engineering environment, gaining exposure to an advanced defense technology project.

RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED

The selected PhD interns will contribute to aerospace R&D focused on high-speed, guided rocket systems.

  • Development of canard control mechanisms for high-speed maneuverability.
  • Optimization of drag coefficient calculations and aerodynamic shaping for supersonic flight.
  • Computational modelling of 4G turns at Mach 2 and aerodynamic control effectiveness.

This research will be applied to an ongoing supersonic target drone development project, ensuring real-world relevance and practical testing opportunities.

SKILLS WISH LIST

If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:

  • CFD modelling & aerodynamics simulation (Solidworks, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent).
  • Flight control surface analysis, drag coefficient calculation, and manoeuvring dynamics.
  • Strong understanding of supersonic aerodynamics and control surface actuation.

Ideal candidates will be motivated problem-solvers with a strong R&D mindset, comfortable with testing and iterating in a dynamic engineering environment. If a candidate has cross field dynamics this is also welcome.

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

The successful completion of this internship will yield:

Refined Aerodynamic Control Systems

  • Validated drag coefficient models and flight control simulations.
  • Improved manoeuvrability assessments for supersonic speeds.

These developments will contribute to the ongoing research and development of supersonic guided rocket systems, supporting future aerospace innovations.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The successful Intern will be expected to be on-site four days per week as part of this research project.

The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.

It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.

The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.

Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.

LOCATION:
Melbourne, VIC
DURATION:
3 months
CLOSING DATE:
26/03/2025
ELIGIBILITY:
PhD students only, domestic only
REF NO:
APR - 2699

INTERNSHIP CONTACT

CONNECT WITH APR.INTERN

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