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Graduate Engineer - Job Descrption

Position: Graduate Mechatronics Engineer 

Company: The Experiment Company Ltd 

Location: Future House, Outset Ventures, Auckland 

Type: Full-time (36h/wk), Fixed-term contract 6 months with strong potential for extension/permanent role 

Reporting to: Lead Engineer / R&D Manager  

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and hands-on Graduate Mechatronics Engineer to play a key role in transforming our inhouse developed imaging prototype into a commercial-ready automated system. 

 

You will contribute across the full product lifecycle of a compact, benchtop, high-precision camera-based instrument designed to rapidly analyse custom antimicrobial inhibition assay plates for honey quality control and functional food testing.

 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent Masters or PhD graduate to gain broad end-to-end experience in prototype development, embedded systems, mechanical integration, and product validation while contributing to a meaningful New Zealand innovation in food science and nutritional immunomodulator testing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Prototype Design & Development

  • Design, iterate, and refine mechanical components of the imaging device (enclosure, precision drawer/tray mechanism for the assay plates, camera mounting, LED lighting assembly, and button interface.

  • Develop and improve the plate loading system for reliable, repeatable, and user-friendly operation.

  • Work collaboratively with contractors for 3D printing, CNC, and injection-moulding-ready designs to evolve the current 3D-printed prototype into a polished, aesthetic, and manufacturable product.

  • Ensure designs meet lab-grade requirements: chemical resistance, easy cleaning (IP54+), compact footprint, and ergonomic use by QC technicians.

 

2. Embedded Systems Integration

  • Design and implement embedded hardware and firmware for the full system (camera control, high-precision imaging, multi-spectrum LED lighting control, QR code scanning, motor/servo control for drawer mechanism, touchscreen interface, and data acquisition).

  • Integrate sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi) to enable seamless device operation and connectivity with the user interface and LIMS/cloud systems.

  • Develop real-time control software for automated workflows: plate detection, image capture, lighting optimisation, and data processing handoff to the analysis algorithms.

 

3. Testing, Validation & Proof of Concept

  • Plan and execute rigorous prototype testing: mechanical reliability, imaging consistency, lighting uniformity, thermal performance, and environmental robustness.

  • Validate system performance using custom assay plates (binding zone and inhibition zone measurements) against manual methods and reference standards.

  • Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues and drive the system to a successful, repeatable ‘Proof of Concept’ suitable for pre-production.

  • Document all designs, tests, and validations for regulatory and manufacturing handoff.

 

4. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

  • Work closely with the software/AI team, assay development scientists, and industrial designers.

  • Contribute creative ideas to improve usability, aesthetics, cost, and manufacturability.

  • Support preparation of technical documentation, user manuals, and IP filings.

Requirements

1. Education

  • Master’s degree or PhD in Mechatronics Engineering from a New Zealand university (must have graduated in 2026)

2. Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of mechatronic systems (mechanical design + embedded electronics + control systems).

  • Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Onshape).

  • Experience with embedded systems (Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi, or similar) and firmware development (C/C++).

  • Knowledge of sensors, actuators, motor control, and camera integration.

  • Basic programming skills (Python preferred) for testing and data analysis.

  • Familiarity with 3D printing and rapid prototyping workflows.

3. Personal Attributes

  • Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, “get-it-working” mindset.

  • Passion for building physical prototypes and seeing them come to life.

  • Excellent documentation and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently as well as in a small, agile team.

  • Genuine interest in food tech, honey science, or health/nutritional products is a big plus.

What we offer

  • Hands-on ownership of a complete hardware product from prototype to proof-of-concept.

  • Exposure to commercialisation (aesthetics, manufacturability, user experience).

  • Mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists.

  • Competitive salary + benefits for a graduate role in Auckland.

  • Opportunity to work on a product that bridges cutting-edge engineering with real-world impact in functional foods and honey QC.

  • Opportunities to interact and collaborate with the science community at Future house, Outset ventures, the home of NZ’s deep tech innovation and where ambition has no limits. 

To apply

Please send your CV, cover letter, and portfolio (or links to any mechatronics/embedded projects, prototypes, or GitHub repos) to hello@paq-labs.com. 

We strongly encourage applications from all candidates who may not meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about building real products, tinkering with electronic components, can write a bit of code, and making science more accessible, we’d love to hear from you.

In your cover letter, tell us about a mechatronics project you’ve completed, the outcome of your project, your learnings and how you could have made it better. 

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