Mechanical Design Engineer in Port Melbourne, Victoria at Arkeus

About Arkeus

Arkeus builds AI-powered sensing systems that help autonomous platforms detect, track and understand what's happening in the most complex and contested environments. Our technology is deployed across defence and national security applications — already protecting lives and strengthening security across the U.S. and allied markets.

Backed by QIC, Main Sequence, R+VC, Salus Ventures, Folklore Ventures, DYNE Ventures and Beaten Zone Venture Partners, Arkeus is entering a major growth phase. We are a small, fast-moving company with the energy and ambition of a start-up and the technical credibility of a world-class defence technology provider.

We work at the intersection of optics, autonomy, robotics and real-time AI and we deploy what we build. If you want to build technology that gets deployed in the real world, not technology that stays on the roadmap, this is where you belong.

Check it yourself on News | Arkeus

We have developed an inclusive, transparent and engaging culture that focuses on building a diverse workforce — realising that to attract the very best, we need to ensure our culture is ready to welcome people from all ages, genders and backgrounds.

About the role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer at Arkeus you will lead a team of engineers to create complex, cutting-edge mechatronics products.

You will be primarily responsible for the detailed mechanical design of our products and their evolution for new applications. This will involve CAD-driven design and drafting, materials selection, sealed enclosure design, and supporting design verification activities.

About you

• You have a strong background in mechanical design engineering, with proven experience developing high-value and complex mechatronic products.
• You have been hands-on through all stages of the product development lifecycle — from concept generation and detailed design to build, integration, testing, and validation.
• You are passionate about engineering excellence and take pride in delivering robust, practical designs that perform reliably in real operating conditions, not just on paper.
• You are fluent in the fundamentals of robust mechanical design — fits and tolerances, mechanical fastening, load paths, and material selection.
• You take ownership of your designs from concept through to manufacture, with a pragmatic, execution-focused approach and a bias toward delivering.
• You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams and are comfortable navigating the challenges of integrating mechanical, electronic, and software systems into cohesive, high-performance products.
• Have experience with common machining and mechanical assembly techniques, including engineering drafting and QA methodologies.
• Be capable of collaborating effectively with machinists and manufacturers throughout the build process.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the detailed mechanical design of Arkeus products and their adaptation to new platforms and applications.
• Design environmentally protected assemblies (IP67-rated) suitable for harsh operating conditions.
• Drive materials selection, sealing strategies, and mounting/integration design across product environments.
• Produce high-quality CAD models, detailed drawings, and design documentation to support manufacture.
• Design, build, and validate integration solutions on customer platforms.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechatronics, software, and manufacturing engineers.
• Support transition from prototype to production, including DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly).
• Perform and support design verification, testing, and validation to ensure performance and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality systems.

Your experience and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design of physical products (mid-to-senior level considered).
• Expert-level CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred) — detailed design and drafting is the core of this role.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, thread standards, and mechanical fastening.
• Solid grounding in materials selection for demanding operating environments.
• Working knowledge of corrosion chemistry, galvanic currents, and material compatibility.
• Hands-on workshop skills are desirable: machining, fabrication, finishing, assembly.
• A builder's mindset: excellent problem-solving skills and a bias toward executing and delivering.
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Why Join Arkeus

• You will work on the hardest problems in deep-tech — optics, autonomy, real-time AI, and hardware-software integration in a single product. The gap between what you build and where it ends up is almost nonexistent.
• You will collaborate with internationally recognised leaders in autonomy, optics and defence. You will be learning from — and contributing to — the world’s best passive perception systems.
• You will become part of a close-knit, ego-free team where ideas compete on merit, not seniority. Low politics, high trust. The kind of team you will still be talking about in ten years.
• You will work hard and be expected to bring your best — and in return, you will grow faster than you thought possible.
• You will work on technology that is already deployed in real environments — protecting lives and strengthening security across defence and national security applications.
• You will receive a competitive salary with a structured career pathways built to grow with you, and the opportunity to participate in our Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP).
• You will have the opportunity to mentor bright emerging talent through our highly sought-after intern program and strong connections with leading universities.

If this sounds like you, please apply even if you don't check every box — we care more about how you think than whether your CV is perfect. Join our growing team and help us change the world through autonomous systems. change the world through autonomous systems.