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 Engineer drives the technical development of one or more of SYOS’ autonomous, uncrewed vehicles. This role provides technical leadership across the full product development lifecycle, from design concept through build, test, and transition to production. The role is responsible for owning system‑level technical outcomes, guiding cross‑disciplinary engineering teams, and ensuring products are delivered with the right balance of engineering rigour and pace.
This role requires a senior engineer who excels at providing clear direction to engineering project teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadershipof Product Development
Drive the technical development of highly capable, autonomous, uncrewed air and land vehicles
Work closely with Project Managers to align technical scope and decisions with schedule, resource and budgets
Set the technical direction and make architectural design decisions
Guide cross‑functional technical trade‑offs across engineering disciplines and adjacent functions e.g., production, quality
Ensure designs are manufacturable, testable, and production‑ready
Chair technical reviews and project technical meetings
Risk, Verification & Compliance
Manage technical risks by identifying and mitigating risks proactively
Define and own the verification and validation strategy
Ensure engineering outputs meet technical standards and safety expectations
Approve technical documents, designs, and configuration baselines
ProjectTeam Leadership & Collaboration
Drive successful product development by getting the best outcomes from cross‑disciplinary engineering project teams
Communicate technical plans, decisions, and actions clearly to stakeholders
Act as the primary technical interface across internal teams and, where required, external customers or partners
Mentor and develop engineers, building long‑term capability
Required
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor/Master of Engineering or PhD
8+ years’ experience in product development
2+ years’ experience in technical leadership roles
Strong engineering technical background include exposure to multiple disciplines and cross-discipline integration
Experience leading engineering teams through product design, build, and test
Project leadership experience strongly desirable
Advantageous
Experience in aerospace/defence, uncrewed vehicles, or robotics
Postgraduate qualifications or advanced technical certifications
Key Attributes
High technical credibility across multiple engineering disciplines
Comfortable making decisions with 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 technical decision‑making
Accountable for system‑level technical integrity and outcomes
Trusted authority within the engineering organisation
What We Offer
A dynamic and fast-paced environment working on state-of-the-art UxV technology.
Opportunities for career growth in a high-tech, innovative team.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Visa sponsorship for international candidates.
How to Apply: If you are a passionate HMI Systems Engineer who is excited about the future of drone or aerospace technology and have a proven track record of success in your field, please apply now and we will be in touch if you are successful. 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. We offer visa and relocation support. Please note: We kindly ask that recruiters and recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this role. Thank you!