Senior Mechanical Engineer at SunDrive Solar

Mechanical Engineering, Full Time, Sydney (Kurnell), NSW sydney engineering full-time
Description
Posted 21 hours ago

About Us

SunDrive is an Australian solar technology company turning world-leading science into real-world impact.

Founded in a Sydney garage in 2015, when our co-founder Vince Allen paused his PhD to pursue a bold idea, we set out to make solar more powerful, affordable, and sustainable. Today, that same drive fuels a company operating at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and materials science.

Our breakthrough solar cell technology replaces silver with industry-first direct copper plating: swapping one of the most expensive materials in solar for something abundant, cost-effective, and sustainable. We set a world record for solar cell efficiency in 2021 and built the world’s first fully automated copper-plating line at our Kurnell facility, proving scalability.

Backed by leading VCs and government agencies and punching above our weight in partnering with global PV partners, we’re now at the forefront of a generational shift in clean-energy manufacturing and driving industrial-scale deployment.

If you want to work somewhere ambitious, collaborative, and deeply technical, where science meets impact, we’d love to hear from you.
 
About the Role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in taking SunDrive’s proprietary equipment from concept through to commercial-ready systems.

You’ll be responsible for end-to-end mechanical development, working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver equipment that is safe, reliable, scalable, and ready for industrial deployment.

This role sits within our Technology Delivery  Equipment team, where deep engineering meets real-world production. You’ll stay close to the design while contributing to system integration, validation, and on-site commissioning, ensuring mechanical designs translate seamlessly from lab and pilot environments into customer-ready tools.

This role is well suited to a technically strong, hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, taking ownership of mechanical subsystems, and contributing to the delivery of first-of-kind equipment at scale.

You will focus on:

  • Leading mechanical design activities across the full lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, validation, and release to production. 
  • Designing mechanical systems, components, and assemblies for SunDrive’s solar development and manufacturing tools, balancing performance, safety, reliability, and cost. 
  • Preparing and presenting design concepts, design reviews, DFMEAs, safety risk assessments, and technical recommendations at defined project gates. 
  • Supporting system integration, installation, commissioning, and validation at SunDrive or partner sites, including limited domestic or international travel. 
  • Collaborating closely with software, electrical, process, and integration teams to ensure mechanical designs interface cleanly at the system level. 
  • Working with suppliers and partners to support fabrication, assembly, quality control, and design-for-manufacture improvements. 
  • Continuously improving designs based on test data, field learning, customer feedback, and reliability insights. 
  • Creating clear, robust documentation, including drawings, specifications, BOMs, test plans, and operating procedures. 
  • Mentoring junior engineers and technicians through design reviews, technical guidance, and hands-on problem solving. 
  • Escalating major design trade-offs, risks, or non-standard solutions to the Engineering Director as required. 
  • Ensuring all mechanical engineering activities comply with SunDrive’s safety, quality, and WHS standards. 

    • We would love you to have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering. 
  • 5+ years of relevant industry experience in equipment, machinery, or product development environments. 
  • Strong experience across the full mechanical design lifecycle, from concept through to release and support. 
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD and 2D drawings, including GD&T. 
  • Solid understanding of fluid systems, piping, pumps, and flow-related mechanical design. 
  • Experience applying first-principles engineering, tolerance analysis, DFMEA, and structured validation approaches. 
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping tools such as CNC machining, 3D printing, or rapid fabrication techniques. 
  • Strong subsystem integration experience across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces. 
  • Sound material selection knowledge, particularly for corrosive or chemically aggressive environments. 
  • A practical, analytical problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
  • Clear communication skills and confidence engaging with engineers, suppliers, partners, and customers. 
  • Experience with electroplating equipment or chemically intensive manufacturing processes. 
  • Experience in solar, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing equipment. 
  • Familiarity with CE, UL, or AS equipment safety standards. 
  • Experience with Onshape CAD software. 
  • Mandarin language capability. 

    • SunDrive’s 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.
    - Up to 2 days of paid L&D leave per year.

    Leave & Flexibility 
    - 4 weeks annual leave + unlimited rollover.
    - 10 days paid Personal/Carer’s Leave + unlimited rollover. 
    - Parental Leave: 13 weeks primary / 6 weeks secondary caregiver leave. Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return-to-work planning.
    - 2 days paid Compassionate Leave per occasion. 

    Health & Wellbeing 
    - Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediate family.

    Financial & Everyday Perks 
    - EV-only novated leasing (FBT-compliant). 
    - Weekly transport (tolls and public transport) allowance up to $45. 
    Weekly catered lunch + snacks and drinks onsite.

    How We Work  
    We’re a team of engineers, scientists, operators, and builders who thrive where deep research meets real-world production. With teams in Australia and China, we collaborate across disciplines and borders to design, build, test, and optimise the technologies behind our breakthrough solar cells. At our Sydney site, R&D, pilot manufacturing, and process engineering sit under one roof, creating a fast, iterative loop between innovation and implementation. 

    Our culture is open, accountable, and grounded in first principles. We work without ego, raise challenges early, and solve them together. We act like owners—pragmatic, resourceful, and committed to delivering work that’s precise and built to last. 

    We’re ambitious in what we take on and united by a shared purpose: to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable technologies that power a better future. 

    Additional Information 
    SunDrive Solar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need accommodation at any point during the interview process. 

    This role requires full working rights in Australia. Unfortunately, SunDrive is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

    #LI-Onsite 

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