Mechanical Engineer

About Us:

SunDrive is one of Australia's most exciting start-ups, operating in one of the world's most exciting spaces – renewable energy technology. We are on a mission to unlock Solar's full potential by revolutionising how solar cells are made, to unlock new heights of efficiency, and sustainability. 

Founded in 2015 by two UNSW roommates, we have come a long way from the breakthrough made in their garage to producing the world's most efficient commercial-sized solar cell. 

In 2022, we secured $21 million in our Series A funding round and are backed by some of Australia's top venture capital firms (Blackbird, Main Sequence, Virescent, and Mike Cannon-Brooke's private investment fund, Grok), tech founders, a former Australian Prime Minister, and the Australian Government. 

About the Role:

As a Mechanical Engineer at SunDrive, you will play a pivotal role in developing, improving, and integrating our cutting-edge solar cell production systems. Your work will directly contribute to our mission of making solar more affordable and scalable, bridging the gap between R&D and real-world manufacturing.

You'll be responsible for driving mechanical design projects that improve throughput, repeatability, and reliability, while also developing automation solutions that reduce manual handling in high-volume environments. Working hands-on with tools, you'll validate designs through testing, data collection, and iteration to ensure performance at scale while taking your designs through to fabrication.

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with process engineers, project managers, and equipment partners to commission new systems and resolve equipment challenges. Reporting to our Head of Mechanical Engineering, you'll join a small and highly skilled team where your contributions will help turn bold ideas into industry-leading technology.

• Develop new mechanical concepts and iterate through prototyping, testing, validation, use of 3D printers and documentation.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, models, and documentation using CAD tools.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to refine designs and support operations.
• Operate and test equipment, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and safe use of new equipment.
• Continuously improve design performance and reliability through detailed experimental plans, data-driven analysis and design refinement.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 3–5 years' experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in R&D or manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in CAD design (OnShape preferred), including assemblies, GD&T, and simulations.
• Experience with high-precision mechanical systems, industrial automation, and manufacturing processes (e.g. CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, piping, and assembly).
• Strong knowledge of materials selection, fasteners, pneumatics, motion systems, plastics, welding, and fluid handling design.
• Ability to design with an understanding of end-to-end manufacturing operations.
• Sound judgement in balancing performance, cost, and complexity.

Benefits @ SunDrive

 Free Office Lunch and Snacks

- With hard work comes a hungry team, and our team has access to free snacks, and refreshing drinks throughout the day including a free lunch on Wednesdays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Free confidential counseling offered to all employees (full-time, part-time and casual employment) and their immediate family members from the first day of employment with SunDrive

Learning & Development

- AUD $500 per calendar year

Parental Leave

- 13 weeks of leave at full pay for the primary caregiver

- 6 weeks leave for the secondary caregiver

- 6 weeks of parental bereavement leave at full pay for both primary and secondary caregivers

Transportation Allowance

- Up to AUD $45 per week for public transport/tolls, 52 weeks per calendar year

Values @ SunDrive

Shoot for the sun

- We are here to be world class at what we do.

Egos at the door

- Be loud about your mistakes but humble at what you're good at.

Discomfort is a precursor for progress

- We need to get comfortable doing things we've never done before, and to never cease to challenge what's possible: As an industry, a company and as individuals.

Make a commitment, Keep a commitment

- We are all counting on each other. Not receiving a reminder is a reminder you can be counted on.

Additional Information

SunDrive Solar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

SunDrive is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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