Senior/Intermediate Mechanical Design Engineer

About Vessev

Vessev is pioneering a novel class of marine transport through its hydrofoiling electric vessels, designed to be more environmentally friendly and user-centric. Our boats leverage cutting-edge hydrofoils, control systems, and electric propulsion systems developed locally in Aotearoa.

Role Overview

We are expanding our Hydrofoil Systems team with a Mechanical Design Engineer responsible for designing and enhancing the performance of hydrofoils, control surfaces, and propulsion integration for vessels that glide above water surfaces. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the technical foundation of a game-changing Kiwi startup from its early stages and make a significant personal impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimise hydrofoil surfaces and related mechanical systems like foil retraction and control surfaces.
• Integrate propulsion mechanisms cohesively into the foil geometry ensuring operational efficiency.
• Seamlessly incorporate the foils within the vessel's platform architecture.
• Create and validate complex mechanical assemblies using CAD and structural analysis including finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure strength, weight efficiency, and performance.
• Use onboard sensor data and analysis for continuous improvements, validating design decisions.
• Maintain awareness of the latest industry trends and technologies to streamline mechanical designs and select appropriate off-the-shelf or custom solutions.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and production-ready.

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Between 5 to 10 years of experience designing and developing complex mechanical systems, taking products from concept through prototyping to production.
• Sound understanding of mechanical design fundamentals including lightweight structures, mechanisms, and manufacturability.
• Knowledge of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic principles related to fluid-structure interactions.
• Proficiency in CAD software with ability to generate detailed, high-quality engineering drawings and documentation.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills based on first principles.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Hands-on approach with passion for building, testing, and iterating hardware designs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FEA, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with electric propulsion systems and actuators.
• Knowledge of composite materials and structural design.
• Competence in data analysis using Python.
• Experience in marine industry environments is advantageous.

Company Culture and Benefits

Vessev aims to create a cleaner environment and enhance commutes through innovative hydrofoiling technology that uses up to 90% less energy than traditional marine vessels. Our team is composed of experts from renowned organisations such as America’s Cup, SpaceX, Rocketlab, and Apple. We foster a culture of humility, purpose, and ambitious optimism, emphasizing collaboration in our Auckland office located near the Tamaki River.

Benefits include paid parental leave (20 weeks for primary and 4 weeks for secondary caregivers), competitive salaries, and workplace culture embracing those passionate about marine activities like boating, surfing, and sailing.

Additional Information

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women and under-represented groups, even if all criteria are not fully met.

To apply, submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your fit for the position.