Lead Embedded Hardware Engineer - Marine Electric Systems

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

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.