Senior NPI / Manufacturing Engineer

About the company

Emesent is a Brisbane-headquartered technology company recognised globally for autonomous LiDAR mapping and drone autonomy. Its main product, Hovermap, supports autonomous LiDAR mapping in GPS-denied settings for mining and defence applications. The recently introduced GX1 extends high-performance handheld LiDAR into surveying and the built environment. A broader roadmap of hardware products is already in motion, backed by a team that solves difficult engineering problems from concept through to real-world deployment.

About the role

This position suits an engineer with deep strength in manufacturing and production engineering, plus enough breadth to influence the entire product lifecycle. You will act as the key link between design engineering and manufacturing, protecting long-term manufacturability while products are still being developed and then carrying them into stable, repeatable, efficient production.

Your work will include shaping and improving jigs, fixtures, test setups and production processes that make manufacturing faster, more reliable and more scalable. You will hold the manufacturing viewpoint from early design discussions through production ramp-up and ongoing improvement.

The role is highly collaborative rather than siloed. Hardware responsibilities are shared across design, development and production engineering, so while you will be the main point of contact for manufacturing and new product introduction work, the team works collectively.

Initially, your biggest priority will be strengthening GX1 production: improving jigs, fixtures and test infrastructure, lifting output reliability and increasing efficiency for a product whose design is already mature. Over time, the role will move further upstream into true new product introduction, including early involvement in future hardware programs, PFMEA, and design-for-manufacture work before design lock-in.

This role is ideal for someone who wants both sides of the job: hands-on production engineering now, and influence on future products later.

Key responsibilities

• Convert engineering designs into hardware that is ready for manufacturing and production.
• Support and lead candidate builds, pilot runs and production scale-up.
• Serve as the main connection between engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Design, create and refine production jigs, fixtures, tooling and test systems.
• Establish and grow manufacturing processes while improving throughput, yield and consistency.
• Own the manufacturing system architecture that supports each product.
• Analyse field returns, failed tests and repeated production issues using structured root-cause methods.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions and confirm that the fixes are effective.
• Review production and product performance data to identify and act on improvement opportunities.
• Actively influence design for manufacturability rather than observing from the side-lines.
• Join design reviews, raise assembly and manufacturing needs early, and guide PFMEA with the wider team.
• Work with design engineers to align on required changes, with detailed design updates completed by the relevant design owners.
• Support organisational change by adopting new ways of working and backing transformation initiatives.
• Model adaptability, resilience and a solutions-first mindset while helping others navigate change.
• Build trust with colleagues, leaders and stakeholders through integrity and accountability.

Essential requirements

• A degree in a relevant engineering field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong background in manufacturing, production engineering or new product introduction on complex, electronics-heavy products.
• Practical experience designing and building manufacturing assets such as jigs, fixtures, tooling and test equipment.
• Solid knowledge of design for manufacture and assembly (DFM/DFA) and PFMEA.
• Evidence of contributing across the full design lifecycle, with manufacturing represented from early concept through to production.

Desirable experience

• Real depth in electronics, as the complementary side of the T-shaped profile.
• Experience in reliability engineering, including DFMEA.
• Exposure to supply chain and component sourcing.
• Familiarity with embedded systems/firmware and with MES or production data systems.

Perks and benefits

• Relocation support may be available for the right person.
• A 9-day fortnight, including every second Friday off.
• Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP).
• Opportunity to work with a friendly, enthusiastic team building advanced technology.
• Learning and development support, including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Flexible work arrangements and a casual dress code.
• Employee Assistance Program and Qoctor online telehealth.
• One extra day of leave each year for your work anniversary.

Additional information

Emesent says it offers a dynamic and collaborative workplace, competitive compensation and real room for professional growth. The company highlights its focus on robotics and spatial intelligence, and notes that AI tools may be used to support parts of the hiring process, such as application review, resume analysis, response assessment and inconsistency checks. These tools assist the recruitment team, but final hiring decisions are made by people. Applicants seeking details about data handling can contact the company directly.