Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer

Role overview

EDGE Defence is developing sovereign uncrewed maritime capability for New Zealand and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Its main platform, WHAI, is an all-electric, jet-powered Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) designed for low-signature, highly deployable missions such as persistent ISR, force protection, target simulation, and monitoring critical infrastructure while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.

This role is for a Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer who will help advance WHAI’s autonomy capability, bring in new sensors and payloads, and prepare the system for export use with allied and partner nations. It is a practical leadership position for someone who wants their engineering work to be deployed in real environments.

Key work areas

• Lead the continued design, testing, and integration of WHAI’s autonomy and control systems.
• Bring payloads, sensors, and external command-and-control systems onto the platform and prove they work together.
• Own the full test-and-evaluation process, from lab testing through harbour trials and open-water runs.
• Guide the engineering effort needed to make WHAI export-ready and aligned with requirements for allied and partner markets.
• Support the modular payload architecture so the platform can be quickly adapted to different missions.
• Coach and develop a small, high-performing engineering team.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate has strong experience in autonomous or robotic systems, preferably across uncrewed maritime, aerial, or ground platforms. Deep expertise in one of the following areas is especially valuable: autonomy software, sensor fusion, guidance-navigation-control (GNC), or systems integration. A successful background includes taking systems from development into real-world operational use through testing and refinement.

You should also be comfortable integrating payloads and sensors, connecting third-party C2 systems, and working in a practical, mission-focused way where rapid build-test-iterate cycles are the norm.

Eligibility and clearance

This position is open to New Zealand citizens, and also to Australian citizens who can obtain and hold a New Zealand Government security clearance. Applicants must already be eligible for that clearance.

Additional information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Bonus experience includes exposure to export-controlled programmes, prior defence work, or collaboration with military end users.

Why join EDGE Defence

You will be part of a fast-moving team building sovereign capability for New Zealand. The environment is paced, collaborative, and hands-on, with direct involvement in important decisions and a clear line between your engineering work and the systems protecting the region. The company offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to lead autonomy development on a platform attracting attention across the Indo-Pacific.