Mechatronics Engineer (Contract)

A Wellington based technology company is looking for a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to strengthen the hardware side of its autonomous platform on an initial 6-month contract. In this role you will be responsible for how the platform’s mechanical, electrical and software elements come together and behave as one system. The work covers the sensors, actuators, drive systems and the control logic that ties them together. It spans the whole loop: defining how subsystems interact, designing and integrating the electro-mechanical assemblies, then bringing up, tuning and testing the system until it performs safely and repeatably. The role sits across the company’s mechanical and electrical engineering functions, so you will work closely with both teams, as well as with the software engineers. It suits someone whose experience genuinely spans disciplines and who is as comfortable tuning a control loop or tracing a sensor fault as reviewing a mechanical design. It also suits an engineer who has already seen an electro-mechanical product through to manufacture, who enjoys hands on build and debug work, and who documents decisions properly so others can build on them. This is a senior individual contributor position with a direct influence on how the next generation of the platform is designed. **It is based on site in the Wellington region, with some flexibility to work from home. There is potential to extend the contract or move into a permanent position.** Key Responsibilities: * Integrate mechanical, electrical, sensing, actuation and software subsystems into a complete autonomous system. * Select, integrate and characterise sensors, motors and actuators, and define how they interface with the platform’s electronics and software. * Design and implement closed loop control and safety logic, then tune it on hardware for performance and safe operation. * Bring up, commission and debug prototypes across their mechanical, electrical and software layers. * Design electro-mechanical assemblies and drive systems in 3D CAD, backed by engineering calculations and analysis. * Build prototypes quickly from a mix of sourced components, 3D printed parts and outsourced fabrication. * Plan and run test programmes on components and complete systems, from short trials to long duration testing, to confirm reliability and repeatability. * Apply structured engineering practice such as FMECA and system diagrams, and make sure designs meet the relevant safety and compliance standards. * Prepare specifications, drawings and manufacturing requirements, and work closely with suppliers in New Zealand and overseas. * Contribute to detailed project planning. Requirements: * At least 5 years of industry experience in mechatronics engineering or a closely related multidisciplinary field. * A bachelor’s degree or higher in mechatronics engineering or a related engineering discipline. * Proven experience integrating mechanical, electrical, sensing, actuation and software subsystems into a complete product that has reached manufacture. * Practical experience with motors, drives, sensors and microcontroller-based electronics, including how they are wired, interfaced and controlled. * A working understanding of control systems, including closed loop control and the safety logic around moving systems. * Programming in Python, C or similar for hardware interfacing, testing and automation. * Solid 3D CAD skills in a package such as Onshape, SolidWorks, Inventor or NX, with sound knowledge of kinematics, dynamics and design for manufacture. * Hands on workshop experience building, testing and debugging electro-mechanical or autonomous systems. * Clear technical documentation, research and project planning skills. * The right to work in New Zealand. Desirable but not essential: * Experience with finite element analysis to support design decisions. * Reliability and endurance testing experience, including failure analysis and design improvement. * Experience with power transmission and gear mechanisms in moving systems. **Please reach out to harold@profoundpeople.com.au for more info**