Senior Subsurface Design Engineer - Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles

Company Overview

SYOS Aerospace is an expanding global robotics and aerospace firm that develops sophisticated uncrewed systems operating in air, land, and sea environments. The company fosters a collaborative, entrepreneurial atmosphere where employees rapidly turn ideas into functional solutions with minimal bureaucracy.

Role Summary

We are seeking a senior Subsurface Design Engineer to lead the design and development of our next-generation underwater vehicles, specifically AUVs, ROVs, and UUVs. This pivotal hands-on position involves steering the entire vehicle development lifecycle, from initial concepts through testing and deployment. The successful candidate will be the technical authority on underwater design choices and mentor the engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct design and development efforts for AUV, ROV, and UUV vehicle systems, including architecture of frames, structural elements, and pressure vessels.
• Make critical engineering decisions regarding materials, hydrodynamics, propulsion, and integration of payloads.
• Provide mentorship and design reviews to enhance the team’s technical capabilities.
• Lead prototyping, testing, and field validation activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate sensors, electronics, and subsea systems effectively.
• Help define innovative vehicle concepts and contribute to the strategic direction of subsea capabilities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Over five years of hands-on experience designing underwater vehicles such as AUVs, ROVs, or UUVs, with demonstrable projects taken from concept to operational deployment.
• Expertise in pressure vessel design, subsea materials, and hydrodynamic principles.
• Strong familiarity with underwater propulsion technology.
• Advanced proficiency with CAD software, particularly Solid Edge or equivalent.
• Practical knowledge of subsea cabling, wiring assemblies, and printed circuit board (PCB) integration.
• Experience with CNC machining and 3D printing to support prototyping efforts.
• Proven leadership in technical roles, including guiding engineers or leading complex design projects.
• Sound engineering judgment and the ability to make confident decisions in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) expertise to optimize underwater vehicle performance.
• Exposure to offshore or marine operational environments.
• Hands-on experience deploying AUV/ROV systems in open-water conditions.
• Competence in CAM programming for manufacturing processes.

Additional Information

The role is based in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Relocation assistance is available worldwide for an appropriately qualified candidate.