Mechatronics Engineer

SunDrive’s proprietary technology enables the use of copper instead of silver for solar cell electrodes. This technological breakthrough has significant benefits, including greater efficiency, lower cost, a scalable supply chain, and more environmentally friendly production.

Founded in 2015, SunDrive is backed by some of Australia’s top venture capital firms (Blackbird, Main Sequence, Virescent, Grok), tech founders, and the Australian Government (CEFC, ARENA). SunDrive has quickly grown from a UNSW Ph.D. project in a garage to producing the world’s most efficient commercial-sized solar cells.

As a Mechatronics Engineer, you'll work alongside software and mechatronics engineers to design, build and validate the automation systems in commercial tools for our customers.

If you are interested in being a key role in bringing SunDrive's novel technology from R&D into commercial deployment, and being part of a passionate, high-impact engineering team, we want to hear from you!

This role is a fixed term, 6-month contract.

You will:

• Support the design, development, testing, and commissioning of software and mechatronic systems
• Demonstrate strong ownership, taking initiative and going the extra mile to achieve team and company goals
• Work closely with cross-functional teams
• Subsystem ownership: e.g. take ownership of assigned modules or subsystems, from design, build and integration through to validation, troubleshooting and handover
• Technical scope: e.g. sensors, actuators, motion systems, control hardware, software, firmware, electrical interfaces and automation logic etc
• Documentation: e.g. test procedures, commissioning records, risk assessments, control notes, troubleshooting guides etc.
• Validation: e.g. validation testing, data collection and root-cause analysis to improve reliability, safety and performance
• Hands-on support: e.g. hands-on support during internal builds, demonstration line integration, customer-site deployment
• Integrate safety in design principles throughout equipment and software development while supporting compliance with company policies, WHS standards, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement efforts
• Some international travel will be required for the role

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics or related Engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in software, mechatronics, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on problem-solving and troubleshooting capability.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced development environment.
• Cross-functional collaboration (mechanical, process, facility and safety teams)
• Excellent communication skills and team-oriented mindset

Experience in some of the following areas:

Hardware & Automation

• Microcontrollers (e.g. STM32, ESP32) and firmware development
• PCB design (e.g. Altium, KiCAD) and debugging
• Gantries and motion control (servo/stepper systems)
• Industrial protocols (e.g. OPC UA) and programming (e.g. IEC 61131)
• DC/AC circuits, power supplies, wiring

Software

• C++ and Python programming
• Structured/efficient use of AI programming tools
• Databases (e.g. PostgreSQL)
• Dashboarding (e.g. Grafana)
• Docker (e.g. Dockerfiles, docker-compose, devcontainers)
• Headless Linux environments
• Cloud services (e.g. Azure)

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience in the Solar or Semiconductor space
• Exposure to manufacturing environments and designing systems for production
• Use of machine vision, robotics, or motion control systems
• Use of machine learning tools, especially those which can be used in the industrial manufacturing space
• Mandarin speaking and writing skills
• Experience working with safety standards (e.g. CE)

SunDrive Benefits:

Meaningful Work & Ownership

• Access SunDrive’s Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) - real ownership in SunDrive’s growth (permanent employees only)

• Work on breakthrough solar technology with global impact.

• Be part of a tight, high-performing team where your ideas matter

Learning & Growth

• Company-wide L&D Fund for courses, coaching, and technical development

• Dedicated weekly learning time

• 2 days of paid L&D leave per year

Leave & Flexibility

• Unlimited rollover on annual and personal leave

• Parental Leave: 13 weeks primary / 6 weeks secondary caregiver leave.

• Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return-to-work planning

Health & Wellbeing

• Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediate family

Financial & Everyday Perks

• EV-only novated leasing

• Weekly transport (tolls and public transport) allowance up to $45

• Tuesday lunches covered

• Snacks and drinks onsite for your convenience

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 us know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.