Lead Mechatronics Engineer

Full time, fixed term for 12 months, with strong potential for multi-year extension subject to performance and continued project funding
Based at the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), University of Sydney
Base Salary $131,108 - $147,858 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) has been instrumental in developing breakthrough technologies, conducting world-renowned research and developing field robotics principles and systems.

We are currently seeking to hire a Lead Mechatronics Engineer to take primary technical responsibility for the design, build, integration, and field deployment of mechatronics systems for ground robots operating in extreme field environments. Working under the broad direction of the Chief Investigator, you will design ruggedised autonomous platforms based on integrated off-the-shelf vehicle components, suitable for sustained operation in rugged outdoor terrain across multiple application domains.

This is a senior individual contributor role. You will work autonomously on the mechatronics scope of the platform, with technical assurance provided by the Senior Mechatronics Technical Lead at defined design reviews, and with close collaboration alongside Software Engineers and Postdoctoral Research Fellows. The appointment is offered initially for 12 months. The programme is funded across multiple years and there is strong potential for extension subject to performance and continued funding.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

act as the primary mechatronics designer for the platform, ensuring designs are robust, serviceable, and fit for purpose in field robotics applications
design and build mechatronics systems integrating within the existing hardware and software frameworks of the platform
select, modify, and integrate off-the- off-highway vehicle components into the platform chassis
design and oversee power and energy systems including battery architecture, power management, and where relevant solar or hybrid options
objectively assess the quality and validity of designs in selected scenarios, and identify issues requiring further investigation
build and test prototypes, ensuring designs work as intended in laboratory and field conditions
prepare, conduct and support tests of robots in the field, including in-field repair and serviceability
collaborate closely with Software Engineers on the mechatronics-software interface
support the Project Manager in planning, risk management, field trials, and reporting
occasionally travel to rural areas and/or interstate to support fieldwork

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for someone who has:

tertiary qualifications in Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent training and experience
extensive experience in the design and build of mechatronic systems for outdoor field robotics, autonomous platforms, or off-highway vehicles, meeting industry standards
experience integrating off-the-shelf off-highway or equivalent vehicle components into research or autonomous platforms
experience with ruggedisation of robotic platforms for sustained operation in challenging environments
proficiency in mechanical design and analysis, including expertise in CAD/Solidworks
knowledge of robotic kinematics, dynamics, sensors and actuators, and embedded systems
knowledge of power and energy systems for autonomous platforms
programming proficiency in C, C++, or Python sufficient to interface with platform software
ability to work autonomously under broad direction within a research and development environment
ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams alongside software, autonomy research, and research domains
experience with rapid prototyping tools and techniques (desirable)
field deployment experience including in-field repair and operation in remote conditions (desirable)

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 05 July 2026 11:59 PM