Senior Mechanical Engineer at SunDrive Solar

Mechanical Engineering, Full Time, Sydney (Kurnell), NSW sydney engineering full-time
Description
Posted 5 days ago

About Us:

SunDrive are a Sydney-based solar technology start-up on a mission to unlock Solar’s full potential. Originating from a PhD project in a Sydney garage, we've advanced to developing some of the world's most efficient commercial-sized solar cells. 
Our breakthrough lies in replacing costly silver with abundant copper in solar cell manufacturing, significantly reducing costs and enhancing sustainability. This innovation has led to a record-setting 26.41% efficiency in mass-production-compatible heterojunction (HJT) solar cells.  

Backed by major Australian investors, including Mike Cannon-Brookes' Grok Ventures, Blackbird & an ex-Australian prime minister. While being supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), SunDrive is at the forefront of Australia's renewable energy transition.   

As our Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development, improvement, and integration of SunDrive’s solar cell production systems.  By owning mechanical design elements across R&D and manufacturing equipment, this role will directly contribute to our goal of making solar more affordable & scalable.
You will report to our Head of Mechanical Engineering and work closely with our VP Technical Delivery, in a 5-person, dynamic and high-performing team, collaborating with our wider technical delivery team, R&D teams and Partners in China
Note: This role will initially require significant travel to China to work closely with our partners.

What you will focus on:

  • Lead end-to-end mechanical design workstreams for custom-built solar development and production equipment, from concept through to industrialisation.
  • Own the design, prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical systems using tools like OnShape or SolidWorks, with rapid iteration via 3D printing, hands-on experimentation and documentation.
  • Design for scalability, integrating mechanical solutions into high-throughput production lines with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Drive performance improvements by planning and executing experiments, analysing data, and refining designs for robustness and repeatability.
  • Collaborate with our strategic partners in China to take designs from prototype to factory-ready through hands-on engineering and project coordination.
  • Develop automation solutions that reduce manual handling and boost consistency across high-volume manufacturing processes.
  • Partner with process engineers and equipment vendors to commission new or upgraded tools, ensuring smooth handover into operations.
  • Bridge the gap between design intent and field performance.
  • Operate, test, and refine systems in the real world to deliver measurable impact.

    • What we would love you to bring:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering. 
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in a mechanical engineering role.
  • Advanced CAD design (OnShape preferred), including assemblies, tolerancing, and simulations. 
  • Knowledge of materials selection, mechanical fasteners, pneumatics, and motion systems. 
  • Ability to design systems within the context of end-to-end manufacturing operations. 
  • Strong judgment in trade-offs between performance, cost, & complexity. 
  • Previous experience in renewables with start-up / scale-up exposure.  
  • Familiarity with solar or semiconductor equipment. 
  • Written and verbal fluency in English and Mandarin

    • Benefits @ SunDrive!

    🍝 Free Office Lunch and Snacks
    - With hard work comes a hungry team, and our team has access to a free lunch every Wednesday, snacks, and refreshing drinks

    🧠Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    - Free confidential counselling 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
    - 2 days of leave at full pay
     
    🧸Parental Leave
    - 13 weeks of leave at full pay for the primary caregiver
    - 6 weeks leave at full pay for the secondary caregiver
    - up to 4 weeks of parental bereavement leave at full pay
     
    🚌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 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 that 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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