Senior Mechatronics Engineer (NZ)

About DroneDeploy DroneDeploy powers field teams with robotics and AI. As the only reality capture platform that combines robotic automation, AI agents, and a truly unified system, DroneDeploy allows critical industries to operate with speed and confidence. From construction and energy to agriculture, the world’s largest companies use DroneDeploy to simplify field operations, improve safety, and make smarter decisions, faster. By combining aerial drones, 360 and fixed cameras, ground robots and proprietary AI, we’re bringing the power of automation and visual intelligence to all stakeholders, from the field to the boardroom. At DroneDeploy, we thrive in a mostly remote-first culture rooted in innovation and impact. We’ve been recognized as a Best Place to Work in the SF Bay Area and named one of America’s Great Places to Work—but what truly sets us apart is the experience you gain: solving real-world challenges with cutting-edge technology, surrounded by teammates who are as passionate as they are supportive. Our team is bold, mission-driven, and building something that matters. We foster a culture where a variety of perspectives drive smart decisions, and where growth—both personal and professional—is part of the journey. Whether it’s flexible schedules, family-friendly benefits, or our strong track record of internal promotions, we invest in people as much as we do in product. If you’re looking to be part of something ambitious, authentic, and transformative, you’ll find your place at DroneDeploy. Role Overview As a Senior Mechatronics Engineer at DroneDeploy, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our robotics capabilities, reporting to the Engineering Manager for Embodied AI. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software and integrated systems for ground robots and drones that transform how worksites are scanned, inspected, and analyzed.  This position is critical to delivering innovative robotics solutions that drive customer value and support DroneDeploy’s mission to make commercial drone and robotics data accessible and actionable for businesses worldwide.  You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and external technology partners, contributing to the development of industry-leading features and ensuring the seamless integration of robotics into real-world environments. Work Environment > Location: Auckland, New Zealand. This role requires you to be based in Auckland and able to work from the Auckland office. > Hybrid Model: While we offer flexibility around working from home, you’ll be expected to work onsite at least 3 days per week to collaborate with the team and interact directly with our robots. > Collaboration: The role involves regular collaboration with global colleagues, with an expectation of good overlap with our core business hours. > Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel is required to attend team meetings, support customer deployments and visit partner sites. > On-Call Support: There may be occasional requirements to support international customers during site deployments or calls across US and European time zones. Responsibilities:

Lead the analysis, architecture, development, testing, and maintenance of software running on robots and other edge devices.

Develop robust software solutions for remote monitoring, control, management, orchestration, mission planning, and diagnostics across a diverse fleet of mobile robots, from multirotor aircraft to industrial quadrupeds.

Collaborate with leading technology companies to integrate and support new robotic products and platforms.

Champion the adoption and evolution of new robotics features and applications, contributing through technical documentation, training, and internal/external advocacy.

Engage directly with customers to build new capabilities, deliver proof-of-value projects, and support the deployment of mobile robotics solutions in the field.

Tackle complex technical challenges, often operating with significant ownership over project outcomes and the direction of technical solutions.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of team processes, code quality, and system reliability, supporting a culture of innovation and shared responsibility.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechatronics, Software, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical industry experience.

Demonstrated professional experience designing and delivering mechatronic, robotic, or embedded systems in production environments.

Extensive software development experience, including software architecture, design best practices, lifecycle management with modern tooling, and advanced testing/debugging skills.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, and/or Python.

Deep understanding of modern robotics topics, including vector geometry, kinematics and motion control, state estimation and SLAM, video processing/encoding/streaming, and computer vision/machine learning.

Hands-on experience with robotics software frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2, MQTT, MAVlink, gRPC/Protobuf).

Experience with datalink communications for field-deployed systems (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, sub-GHz radio, mesh networks), including troubleshooting in challenging environments.

Interest in or working knowledge of modern AI techniques (e.g., LLMs, ML, or vision-language models) and their application to autonomous robotic systems.

Familiarity with related mechatronics disciplines, such as parametric CAD design and prototyping, PCB design, microcontroller programming (AVR/PIC/ARM).

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and collaborate effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.

Must be based in Auckland, New Zealand, and able to work from the Auckland office as required.

Able to travel domestically and internationally for team meetings, customer and partner engagements.

Flexibility to occasionally support customers outside standard office hours, as needed for global deployments.

Why Join DroneDeploy?

Shape the Future of Robotics: Be at the forefront of global robotics adoption, building solutions that redefine how robots, people, and the real world interact on worksites.

High-Impact Projects: Take ownership of complex, end-to-end robotics initiatives, from concept to deployment, with the autonomy to influence technical direction and deliver tangible results for customers.

Collaborative, Innovative Team: Join a motivated group of engineers who value initiative, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership—where your ideas and technical leadership will directly shape product evolution.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Work hands-on with advanced robotics platforms, cloud and edge computing, and the latest in computer vision, machine learning, and automation.

Professional Growth: Access opportunities for mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous learning in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Global Recognition: Be part of a company recognized as a Best Place to Work and a Top 200 Startup, with a culture that celebrates innovation, diversity, and impact.

Flexible Work Model: Enjoy a hybrid work environment that balances in-person collaboration with flexibility, supporting both productivity and work-life integration.