Lead Product Development Engineer

RGIT Australia; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship for international

Job summary

SYOS in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, is seeking a Lead Product Development Engineer to drive the technical development of autonomous uncrewed vehicles, from concept through production. You will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle and own system-level technical outcomes.

The role requires a senior engineer who can guide cross-disciplinary teams, ensure designs are manufacturable and production-ready, mentor engineers, and communicate plans clearly to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master of Engineering or PhD required.
• 8+ years in product development and 2+ years in leadership.
• Exposure to multiple disciplines and cross-discipline integration.
• Experience leading engineering teams through design, build, test.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the full product development lifecycle.
• Own verification and validation strategy, ensure safety and standards.
• Mentor engineers and drive risk management.
• Communicate plans and decisions to stakeholders.

Skills

Technical leadership

Product development

Cross-disciplinary

Team leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor/Master of Engineering or PhD

Job description

Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty 3150, New Zealand

Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior

Posted 18 Aug 2026

Description

SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.

Role Overview

The Lead Product Development Engineerdrives the technical development ofone or more ofSYOS’ autonomous, uncrewed vehicles. This roleprovides technical leadership across the full product development lifecycle, fromdesignconcept through build, test, and transition to production. The roleis responsible forowningsystem‑leveltechnical outcomes, guidingcross‑disciplinaryengineering teams, and ensuring products are delivered with the right balance of engineering rigourand pace.

This role requires a senior engineerwhoexcels atprovidingclear direction to engineering project teamsin a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadershipof Product Development

• Drivethe technical development ofhighly capable,autonomous, uncrewedair and landvehicles
• Work closely with Project Managers to align technical scope and decisions with schedule,resourceandbudgets
• Setthetechnical direction andmakearchitecturaldesign decisions
• Guidecross‑functionaltechnicaltrade‑offsacross engineering disciplines and adjacent functions e.g.,production, quality
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, testable, andproduction‑ready
• Chair technical reviews and project technical meetings
• Managetechnical risks byidentifyingand mitigatingrisksproactively
• Define and own the verification and validation strategy
• Ensure engineering outputs meettechnical standardsand safety expectations
• Approve technical documents, designs, and configuration baselines
• Drive successful product development by getting the best outcomes fromcross‑disciplinaryengineeringprojectteams
• Communicate technical plans, decisions, and actions clearly to stakeholders
• Act as the primary technical interface across internal teams and, whererequired, external customers or partners
• Mentor and develop engineers, buildinglong‑termcapability

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor/Master of Engineeringor PhD
• 8+ years’ experience in product development
• 2+ years’ experience intechnical leadership roles
• Strongengineering technicalbackgroundinclude exposure to multiple disciplines and cross-discipline integration
• Experience leading engineering teams throughproductdesign, build, and test
• Project leadership experience strongly desirable

Advantageous:

• Experience in aerospace/defence, uncrewed vehicles, or robotics
• Postgraduate qualificationsor advanced technical certifications

Key Attributes

• High technical credibility across multiple engineering disciplines
• Comfortable making decisionswith incomplete information
• Clear communicator with the ability to challenge constructively
• Structured, proactive approach to risk and dependency management
• Strategic thinker with strong delivery focus

Autonomy & Accountability

• High autonomy in technicaldecision‑making
• Accountable forsystem‑leveltechnical integrity and outcomes
• Trusted authority within the engineering organisation

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-paced environment working onstate-of-the-artUxVtechnology.
• Opportunities for career growth in a high-tech, innovative team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Visa sponsorship for international candidates.

Location

This position is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Known for its stunning surf beaches, vibrant culture, and burgeoning tech scene, Mount Maunganui offers an excellent quality of life and a conducive environment for innovation.