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:

This role is initially a 6-month Fixed Term Contract with the possibility of going permanent.

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.

You will focus on:

We would love you to have:

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.

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