Mechatronics Engineer

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 Mechatronics Engineer at SunDrive, you will design, develop, and integrate the software, firmware, and electronics that power our automated production and laboratory systems. This role is central to scaling SunDrive’s breakthrough copper‑plating technology from prototype to industrial deployment. You’ll work across embedded systems, Linux SBCs, custom PCBs, automation equipment, and industrial communication networks to build robust, production‑ready systems. You’ll also collaborate closely with our engineering teams and with global partners—particularly in China—as we deploy our technology into real manufacturing environments. This role reports into the Head of Mechatronics and sits with our Technology Delivery division, where our ideas meet reality. This team takes SunDrive’s copper‑based technology from lab concept to scalable industrial process. It’s home to engineers, scientists, and technicians who design, build, and refine our manufacturing tools and processes. Technology Delivery integrates chemistry, mechanics, and automation to bring solar innovation to production scale. You will focus on: Designing and developing software, firmware, and custom electronic systems to automate and control production processes. Developing data‑acquisition tools and automated analysis systems for process monitoring and QA. Prototyping and performing hardware‑in‑loop and software‑in‑loop testing to validate system behaviour. Troubleshooting software, firmware, and electrical issues across deployed systems. Integrating SunDrive‑developed systems with industrial automation equipment (remote and on‑site). Providing remote and on‑site support to customers and development partners (significant travel to China will be required in the next 4‑12 months). We would love you to have: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Software, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. 3–4+ years industry experience in embedded systems, automation, or mechatronics environments. Proficiency in C, C++, and Python. Strong experience with Linux, SBCs (Raspberry Pi, Intel NUC), and embedded RTOS (FreeRTOS/ESP32 ideal). Hands‑on systems integration experience involving custom PCBs, Linux SBCs, PLCs, and instrumentation. Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet, TCP/UDP, CAN, RS232/485). Experience with industrial automation, PLCs, SCADA systems. PCB design experience (KiCad or Altium). Familiarity with Git, Docker, networking fundamentals, and standard dev tools. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to design and interpret experiments. Ability to speak Mandarin will be highly regarded (for partner collaboration) $115,000 - $125,000 a year SunDrive’s Benefits Meaningful Work & Ownership - AccessSunDrive’sEmployee Stock OptionPlan (ESOP) -real ownership inSunDrive’sgrowth (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 dayspaid Personal/Carer’s Leave + unlimited rollover. - Parental Leave:13weeksprimary /6 weekssecondary 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 immediatefamily. 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’rea 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, andoptimise the technologies behind our breakthrough solar cells. At our Sydney site, R&D, pilot manufacturing, and processengineering 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 withoutego, raise challenges early, and solve them together. We act like owners—pragmatic, resourceful, and committed to delivering workthat’sprecise and built to last. We’reambitious 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 SunDriveSolar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Affir… 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr