Subsurface Design Engineer – Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Subsurface Design Engineer to join our Subsea Vehicles team in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. You will play a key part in creating, prototyping and testing autonomous underwater systems, including AUVs, ROVs and UUVs.

Key responsibilities

• Design vehicle frames, structural components and pressure vessels for subsea platforms.
• Integrate payloads, sensors and subsea cabling into vehicle architectures.
• Develop new vehicle concepts and support rapid prototyping.
• Lead bench‑top testing, field trials and validation of autonomous systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers across mechanical, electrical and software domains.

Required profile

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience designing AUV, ROV or similar subsea vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of subsea materials, hydrodynamics and pressure‑vessel design.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a fast‑moving, startup‑style environment.

Required skills

• Advanced CAD modelling (Solid Edge or equivalent).
• Experience with CNC machining and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
• Understanding of underwater propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in subsea cabling, wiring looms and PCB integration.
• Familiarity with CFD analysis for underwater vehicle optimisation (nice to have).
• CAM programming experience (nice to have).

What we offer

• Competitive salary and relocation support for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge autonomous technology in a global robotics company.
• Collaborative, low‑bureaucracy environment with rapid development cycles.