Mechanical R&D Engineer Technician

About the role

Engender Technologies is a startup developing a new method of gender selection at the sperm stage, now moving from academic research to commercialisation. It is looking for a Mechanical R&D Engineer Technician in Auckland, working across digital design and physical build. The role involves complex mechanical assemblies in CAD and hands-on machining and fabrication of prototypes, helping increase development capacity and support design transfer. Experience in medical devices, manufacturing or pharmaceuticals is highly regarded.

Key responsibilities

• Run QC inspection and verification of components and assemblies
• Build and assemble products from drawings and work instructions
• Operate and improve established machining processes (CNC and manual), learning from a Principal Machinist
• Design and prototype mechanical components in 3D CAD, and fabricate prototypes, jigs and fixtures
• Plan and run structured experiments to solve practical problems and optimise processes, with clear data and records
• Help move designs from R&D into repeatable manufacture, including work instructions and build documentation
• Work with biologists, quality and engineering so that built products meet functional and quality needs

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Product Design Engineering or a similar design or mechanical discipline
• Practical, hands-on experience from projects, internships, workshop or lab work or hobbies
• Comfortable in a workshop environment and working safely with chemicals
• Methodical approach to testing: forming a hypothesis, controlling variables and recording results
• Enthusiasm to learn machining

Required skills

• SolidsCAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar) and reading technical drawings
• CNC and manual machining, with exposure to milling or turning a bonus
• Microscope and visual inspection experience, solvent and chemical handling, microfluidics or similar precision systems are a bonus

What we offer

• Salary of NZD 60,000 to 75,000
• Standard hours with flexibility to work shifts when the team needs them
• Hands-on CNC and manual machining experience learned on the job
• Ownership of process improvements with senior engineers nearby
• Health benefits