Aircraft Performance - Flight Path Optimisation Engineer

• Drive innovation in aviation – Optimise flight paths for over 5,000 weekly flights using cutting-edge algorithms and cloud-based systems.
• Fuel efficiency meets engineering excellence – Help reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational performance.
• Work where aviation meets tech – Collaborate with experts, code in C++, and deploy solutions that keep Qantas at the forefront of flight planning.
• Permanent, Full-Time | Mascot, Sydney

Qantas Engineering keeps us at the forefront of aviation, caring and maintaining both the Qantas fleet, as well as aircraft for our customers across the Asia-Pacific region.

Working with state-of-the-art equipment and resources, our shared commitment to professional excellence continues to keep our customers safe.

Your new position as Aircraft Performance - Flight Path Optimisation Engineer plays an essential role in the development and support of our flight planning system. You will be responsible for developing and improving the cutting edge algorithms and building the cloud based systems used to ensure that over 5000 flights each week use the lease amount of fuel to safely reach their destinations.

You will be responsible for adding new functionality and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our flight planning algorithms, as well as supporting the system out of hours via an on-call roster.

Your main responsibilities will include -

• Interact with subject matter experts to design and develop new functionality for the Flight Path Optimisation Engine.
• Feature and algorithm development in a complex project using primarily C++
• Supporting deployments of the engine into its cloud based environment
• Maintain highest standards in coding standards and documentation.
• Find new innovative ways to contribute to ongoing fuel savings within the flight planning domain
• Provide ongoing production and development support, including being part of a on call support roster

The right candidate should have -

• Tertiary qualification in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software Engineering or similar degree
• A strong software engineering skillset including:

• Language skills in C++ or similar
• Experience using Linux Command Line Environment
• Use of Docker and Docker Development Environments
• Familiarity and prior use of cloud computing, eg. AWS, Azure

• Understanding of optimization techniques and path search algorithms.
• Experience in software development/programming (Java//C++/ SQL).
• Basic knowledge of Linux (Bash).
• Basic knowledge of airline operations and navigation.
• The ability to communicate complex algorithms to both engineers and non-engineers
• Ability to think out of the box and develop tools to enhance productivity.
• A “can-do” attitude and the ability to work independently whilst still playing an essential role as part of a high functioning team
• Highly self-motivated to research and learn, be challenged and develop your skills and experience
• A love of aviation and technology with an enquiring mind looking to join a team where your skills and knowledge will be valued

Why Qantas? 

You’ll join a team where creativity and passion are encouraged. Our people come together to allow us to dream big and deliver successfully.

There are many different opportunities across our team, which means you’ll be able to grow both personally and professionally at Qantas. Your development is a priority for us – so that you can maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect and can continue to develop over time. You’ll be supported from day 1 with on-the-job training and coaching as well as our formal training opportunities. While you may start in this role, we’ve got a great track record of supporting our people to take their career in so many different directions, the destinations are endless. 

The Qantas employee benefits program offers amazing benefits that extend well beyond travel. 

• We love to travel: Enjoy heavily discounted air travel within Australia and across the globe, both for you and your family and friends, as well as exclusive deals on accommodation and holidays.
• We have flexible leave options: Make use of leave and flexible working opportunities including 18 weeks paid parental leave (plus superannuation payments on all paid and unpaid parental leave until your child turns 1) and additional purchased leave options for eligible employees.
• We’ll give you access to thousands of rewards: Through our partnerships we can offer you discounts across shopping, food and wine, insurance, health and wellbeing, leisure and entertainment. You can also take advantage of our salary packaging program including motor vehicles, eligible portable electronic devices and professional memberships.
• We’ll support your wellbeing: Whether it’s learning to better support your own and others’ mental health, our interactive wellbeing app or your very own tailored nutrition plan.

Qantas is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.  If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.  Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.

Make sure you check with your current manager first, and that they’re happy for you to apply.

Applications close: Thursday 4th of September 2025.