Director, Engineering (Applied R&D)

Director, Engineering (Applied R&D)

Build technology that changes lives.

At the World Mosquito Program (WMP), we build technologies that help stop diseases before they spread.

We're a mission-driven technology organisation bringing together engineering, biological science, manufacturing and data to solve one of the world's most persistent public health challenges: mosquito-borne diseases.

Our innovative Wolbachia method has already protected more than 14 million people across 16 countries, with evidence demonstrating significant reductions in dengue transmission. Now we're focused on our next challenge—engineering the technologies that will allow us to scale our impact to hundreds of millions more people.

To do that, we're investing in automation, advanced engineering and product innovation to transform how mosquitoes are reared, distributed and released in diverse environments around the world.

That's where you come in.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Technology Innovation, you'll lead WMP's Applied R&D function and shape the future of our engineering capability.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team at the intersection of engineering, biological science and product innovation. You'll guide the development of automated rearing and release technologies—from early concepts and rapid prototyping through verification, validation, industrialisation and deployment.

You'll also play a key role in defining how engineering is done at WMP, establishing the governance, technical standards and strategic partnerships that will enable our technologies to be deployed reliably and efficiently across diverse environments around the world.

With significant autonomy and influence, you'll help determine where we invest, how we develop technology, and how we accelerate our global impact.

What you'll do

You'll lead the engineering strategy and delivery of WMP's Applied R&D portfolio by:

• Developing and delivering the technology roadmap for automated mosquito rearing and release systems.


• Leading a multidisciplinary team through rapid prototyping, engineering development, verification, validation and design transfer into manufacture.


• Building strong partnerships with engineering suppliers, manufacturers and technology partners to develop scalable, reliable products.


• Establishing pragmatic engineering governance, including design reviews, technical decision frameworks, engineering risk management and safety-by-design practices.


• Providing trusted technical leadership to executive stakeholders, balancing innovation, risk, quality, cost and speed to deliver meaningful outcomes.


• Building, mentoring and developing a high-performing team of engineers and scientists while fostering a collaborative, innovative culture.


• Identifying emerging technologies and continuously improving engineering capability to support WMP's long-term growth.

About you

You're an accomplished engineering leader who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and building products that deliver meaningful real-world impact.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading the development of complex physical or electromechanical systems from concept through to production.


• A degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering or a related engineering discipline.


• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex technology programs.


• Experience working with external engineering partners, suppliers and contract manufacturers.


• Strong engineering governance capability, including technical reviews, structured product development and engineering risk management.


• Sound commercial judgement across cost, quality, schedule and make-versus-buy decisions.


• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear recommendations for executive stakeholders.

Experience in medical devices, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics or other regulated or safety-critical industries will be highly regarded.

Why join WMP?

This is more than an engineering leadership role.

It's an opportunity to build technologies that have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people.

At WMP you'll:

• Lead engineering programs with genuine global impact.


• Work alongside world-class scientists, engineers and international partners.


• Solve complex automation and product development challenges unlike those found in traditional industries.


• Shape the future of a growing technology and innovation portfolio.


• Join a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation where engineering excellence directly contributes to better public health outcomes.

About the World Mosquito Program

The World Mosquito Program is a mission-driven technology organisation owned by Monash University. We partner with governments, researchers and communities across the globe to develop and deploy innovative technologies that prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

By combining world-leading science with engineering innovation, we've demonstrated that sustainable disease prevention at scale is possible. As we continue to expand our global reach, engineering will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of solutions that protect communities worldwide.

If you're inspired by solving complex engineering challenges and building technology with lasting global impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply and help shape the future of disease prevention.