Embedded Hardware Engineer

Vessev; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Vessev is seeking an Embedded Hardware Engineer to own the design of PCB and embedded systems for hydrofoiling electric vessels. You will work with the Electrical & Systems team to create in-house hardware, enabling IP control and strategic advantages.

You’ll lead design, modelling, testing, and compliance activities, collaborating across controls, mechanical, and software teams while balancing cost, feasibility, and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• A degree in electrical, electromechanical, electronic engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years designing PCBs or embedded hardware, ideally taking designs from concept to production.
• Track record of working autonomously and owning design decisions.
• Strong grounding in analog and digital circuit design, embedded microcontrollers, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).
• Experience with signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/EMI, and applying relevant compliance standards.
• Ability to weigh design decisions against cost, feasibility, and manufacturability.
• Experience setting or contributing to design standards and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, modelling and testing PCBs and embedded hardware systems from concept through to validated prototype, including bring-up and bench testing.
• Run signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/EMI analysis and ensure compliance with electrical, marine, and safety standards.
• Assess feasibility against technical, manufacturing, and commercial constraints; optimise for cost while maintaining performance.
• Make build vs. buy recommendations and identify where in-house design adds value.
• Establish and maintain design standards; manage schematics, BOMs, documentation and revision control.
• Own the specification process for new hardware; collaborate with controls, mechanical, and software teams to align requirements.

Skills

Embedded hardware

PCB design

Analog/digital design

MCU familiarity

Communication protocols

Design ownership

Education

Electrical/Electromechanical engineering degree

Tools

Altium

Eplan

Onshape

Job description

At Vessev, we're defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely better for people and the planet. Our boats fly above the surface using advanced hydrofoils, control systems, and electric propulsion - designed and built here in Aotearoa.
We're looking for an Embedded Hardware Engineer who wants real ownership over what they build to join our Electrical & Systems team. This is a chance to help build the technical capabilities of a category-defining, Kiwi startup from the earliest stage.

The role

Right now, Vessev relies on a mixture of off-the-shelf and in-house electrical and electronic components which means we can be beholden to someone else's roadmap, pricing, and constraints. This role changes that. You'll lead the design of our own PCBs and embedded hardware, giving us control over our own technology, IP, and story.
Your designs will span the boat's core electrical systems and involve working closely with the wider electrical and engineering teams. You'll be trusted to make sound design decisions and hold your own, with minimal oversight.

What You'll Be Doing

Design, modelling and testing

• Design and model PCBs and embedded hardware systems from concept through to validated prototype, including bring-up, bench testing, and validation of new designs

Technical analysis and compliance

• Run signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/EMI analysis, as well as ensuring designs meet relevant electrical, marine, and safety compliance standards

Feasibility and cost

• Assess feasibility of proposed designs against technical, manufacturing, and commercial constraints, optimising for cost without compromising on performance.
• Make build vs. buy recommendations, identifying where in-house design delivers the most value over off-the-shelf solutions

Design standards and documentation

• Establish and maintain design standards and best practice for the electrical team as in-house hardware design matures
• Manage schematics, BOMs, documentation, and revision control

Design specification

• Own the specification process for new hardware, translating system-level and product requirements into detailed design specs
• Work cross-functionally with controls, mechanical, and software teams to ensure specifications align with wider vessel and technology package requirements

About You

You've taken hardware from a blank schematic to production, and you're just as comfortable being handed a problem as being handed a spec. You know your judgement is sound, and you're keen to get stuck in and make things happen.

We're looking for someone with

• A degree in electrical, electromechanical, electronic engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years designing PCBs or embedded hardware, ideally having taken designs from concept through to production
• A track record of working autonomously and owning design decisions
• A strong grounding in analog and digital circuit design, embedded microcontrollers, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet)
• Experience with signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/EMI principles, and applying relevant compliance standards
• Ability to weigh design decisions against cost, feasibility, and manufacturability
• Experience setting or contributing to design standards and documentation practices

Bonus Experience

• Experience in marine, automotive, aerospace, motorsport, or other vehicle performance industries
• Knowledge of power electronics, battery/high-voltage systems, and associated safety standards
• Exposure to Altium, Eplan, or Onshape.

About Us

We're here to set a better world in motion - cleaner air, better commutes, and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats, unlocking entirely new opportunities.
We're backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures, and our team includes talent from the America's Cup, SpaceX, Rocketlab, Halter, Apple, and leading climate startups. But titles don't matter here - what matters is how we show up: with purpose, humility, and a restless optimism for what's possible.
We're office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together, in person, where the real magic happens. That said, we trust our team to do what's right and we know life isn't one-size-fits-all.

Why our people love Vessev

• The chance to work on technology that can drive real, lasting impact in the world
• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people
• 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers, and 4 weeks for secondary (conditions apply)
• Competitive salaries that reflect the value of the work
• Being on the water is part of our job - from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River
• And if the water's where you want to be, you'll be in good company. You'll find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders here

Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement - even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here, but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you.