Mechanical Design Engineer

About Vessev

Vessev is creating a new class of marine transport: electric hydrofoiling vessels that are designed to deliver a better outcome for people and the planet. Their boats lift above the water on advanced hydrofoils, supported by control systems and electric propulsion, and are developed and manufactured in Aotearoa.

With strong momentum, international ambition, and important milestones ahead, the team is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join the Hydrofoil Systems group. This is a rare chance to help shape the technical foundations of a category-defining Kiwi startup from an early stage and build work you can be genuinely proud of.

The role

The Hydrofoil Systems team is central to Vessev’s ability to make hydrofoiling work. The team’s output enables the vessel to run efficiently on foils and is a key part of the broader system that turns the boat into a complete high-performance product.

Key focus areas

• Designing and improving hydro-surface systems.
• Developing mechanical systems that support foil retraction and control surfaces.
• Integrating propulsion systems with the foil geometry.
• Embedding the foils into the vessel platform.

Because all teams work from the same facility, the production and design groups are closely linked. Instead of being separated from the build process, you will be able to watch your work take shape day by day.

What you will do

You will take ownership of mechanical design and analysis, including the creation and refinement of complex assemblies, structural assessment, finite element analysis, and CAD work. This will help you test designs against real load conditions and improve strength, mass, and performance.

The product is made up of many interdependent systems, so decisions in one area can affect several others. A strong ability to close the loop through onboard sensor data and analysis will be important as you validate design choices and capture cascading improvements.

Because the company is early in its commercial production journey, progress is fast and iteration is even faster. You will need to keep up with the latest industry developments, emerging technologies, and design approaches, choosing off-the-shelf parts where they make sense while also identifying when a custom solution is the better answer for the project.

There is also room to bring fresh thinking. The team values creative problem-solving, whether that means simplifying a mechanism, improving a load path, or finding a more elegant way to solve a difficult engineering challenge.

You will also act as the link between design and production, working closely with manufacturing teams both in-house and externally to make sure designs are practical, efficient, and cost-conscious.

About you

Your background may come from motorsport, aerospace, energy, or a similar field, but you will have developed strong capability in mechanical design and complex assemblies. Deep prior expertise in marine or electric vehicles is not required. What matters most is that you are sharp, quick to learn, and genuinely curious, because those traits will help you get up to speed quickly on the technical details.

Required experience and capability

• A qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in mechanical component and system design, analysis, and optimisation.
• Understanding of the design journey from prototyping through to production.
• Working knowledge of aero/hydrodynamics and the fluid-structure interactions involved.
• Experience using FEA, CFD, and similar simulation tools.
• Ability to produce and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and assembly instructions.

Preferred background

• Exposure to electric propulsion systems and actuators.
• Knowledge of composite materials and structural design.
• Confidence using Python for data analysis.
• Previous experience in the marine sector.

Why people enjoy working here

• The company is building something truly different, both in marine mobility and in the kind of workplace it is creating.
• You will work on technology with the potential to create lasting positive impact.
• The team is highly talented and collaborative.
• Primary caregivers receive 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave, while secondary caregivers receive 4 weeks, subject to conditions.
• Compensation is competitive and reflects the value of the work.
• Being on the water is part of the experience, from vessel trips to offices located near the Tamaki River.
• If you enjoy boating, sailing, foiling, surfing, or kiteboarding, you will find plenty of kindred spirits on the team.

How to apply

Send a CV and a brief cover letter explaining who you are and why this position is a strong match for you.

Vessev encourages people from under-represented groups to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as strong candidates may still be a great fit.

Additional information

The company is office-first rather than office-only, with a preference for building together in person. At the same time, it values trust, flexibility, and the realities of life outside work.

The team is backed by leading investors, including Blackbird Ventures, and includes people with experience from the America’s Cup, SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Halter, Apple, and prominent climate startups. The culture emphasizes purpose, humility, and optimism over titles.

Vessev says its hydrofoiling electric vessels can use up to 90% less energy than conventional boats, opening up new possibilities for travel on the water.