Lead Product Development Engineer

About SYOS Aerospace

SYOS Aerospace is a rapidly expanding international company specializing in robotics and aerospace. We focus on pioneering uncrewed vehicles, including drones that operate over air, land, and sea, designed for dual-use purposes. Our mission is to continually push technological frontiers and deliver superior products that surpass customer expectations.

Role Overview

The Lead Product Development Engineer will steer the technical development of one or more autonomous uncrewed vehicles within SYOS’ portfolio. This senior role encompasses overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from initial design conceptualization to manufacturing, testing, and transitioning products into production. The incumbent will be responsible for system-level technical delivery, leading cross-disciplinary engineering teams, and ensuring products meet rigorous engineering standards while progressing efficiently.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical advancement of sophisticated uncrewed air and land vehicles with autonomous capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to align technical objectives with project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Establish technical direction and make architectural decisions for product designs.
• Facilitate cross-functional technical trade-offs among engineering disciplines and related areas such as production and quality assurance.
• Guarantee that designs are suitable for manufacture, testing, and mass production readiness.
• Organize and lead technical reviews and project meetings.
• Actively identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the development process.
• Own the verification and validation strategies ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards.
• Approve essential technical documentation, designs, and configuration baselines.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver optimal product development outcomes.
• Communicate technical plans and decisions transparently to all stakeholders.
• Serve as the key technical contact within internal teams and, when necessary, with external customers and partners.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent to enhance organizational capabilities over the long term.

Qualifications and Experience

• Holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Engineering.
• Has over 8 years of product development experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in leading technical teams.
• Possesses a strong engineering foundation with exposure to multiple disciplines and integration across them.
• Has proven ability leading teams through design, build, and testing phases of product development.
• Project leadership experience is highly preferred.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in aerospace, defense, uncrewed vehicles, or robotics industries is advantageous.
• Postgraduate degrees or advanced technical certifications add value.
• Demonstrates strong technical credibility across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Comfortable making informed decisions despite incomplete information.
• Excellent communicator able to provide constructive challenge.
• Systematic and proactive in managing risks and dependencies.
• Strategic thinker with a strong emphasis on delivering results.
• Exhibits high autonomy and accountability for system-level technical outcomes and integrity.
• Trusted authority within the engineering organization.

What We Offer

• A challenging, rapidly evolving environment focused on cutting-edge uncrewed vehicle technology.
• Opportunity for professional growth within an innovative, high-technology team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Visa sponsorship available for international applicants.
• Based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, renowned for its beautiful surf beaches, lively culture, and thriving tech ecosystem providing excellent quality of life and a supportive atmosphere for innovation.