Spaceplane Mechatronics Engineer (Avionics Team)

We're looking for a Mechatronics Engineer to join our Spaceplane Avionics Team. You don’t need an aerospace background. What we care about is your ability to think from first principles and thrive where electronics, mechanics, and embedded systems meet.

This is a rare opportunity to develop high-performance, flight-critical systems in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment—and see your designs come to life in the sky.

What you’ll do:

• Own the development of avionics hardware from spec to space: design, prototype, test, build, and fly


• Develop electromechanical systems from high-level requirements with a systems mindset


• Design and test circuit boards (digital, analogue, mixed signal, and power electronics)


• Create mechanical solutions: enclosures, mounts, thermal management, and actuation


• Build and document electrical harnesses and integration hardware for test and flight


• Apply systems engineering to ensure seamless cross-system integration


• Collaborate with software, mechanical, propulsion, and test teams


• Present and document your designs clearly at all development stages


• Travel as needed for integration and flight campaigns (domestic/international)

About you:

You thrive in ambiguity, solve complex problems with simplicity, and enjoy the challenge of doing what’s never been done before.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A degree in Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar—or equivalent experience


• 2+ years in mechatronics, electronics, or embedded system design


• Proficiency with PCB schematic and layout tools (e.g. Altium, KiCad, Cadence)


• Experience with mechanical CAD tools (ideally SolidWorks)


• Familiarity with digital comms protocols (CAN, Ethernet, USB, SPI, I2C, etc.)


• Hands-on experience with sensors, signal conditioning, and lab test equipment


• Basic embedded software skills in C


• Strong documentation and communication skills (English)


• Ability to work cross-functionally and independently

Bonus if you also bring:

• Experience with Git or version control systems


• Broad hands-on skills—from soldering to harness assembly to standards compliance


• Experience designing to ECSS, DO-254, NASA, or aerospace-grade reliability standards


• A solid grasp of thermodynamics and thermal analysis

What we offer:

• A chance to work on something that has never been done before


• Ownership over meaningful projects from day one


• A flat, fast-moving culture that rewards initiative


• Future opportunities to grow into product, programme, or department leadership

About Us 

Dawn Aerospace is developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space. Our flagship aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, is designed to push the boundaries of aviation into space, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for microgravity research, atmospheric studies, and aerospace innovation. In 2024, the Aurora spaceplane broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet, and set a record for the fastest climb to 20 kilometres (65,600 feet).

We're a tight-knit, cross-functional team with a passion for building things that matter. If you're ready to be part of a bold, hands-on engineering challenge that’s changing how space is accessed—let’s talk. And even if you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please also note that due to our current customer base and the nature of our industry and technology, we are required to conduct background checks that are undertaken for security reasons. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that the Employee be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by domestic and foreign regulations. Under these regulations, an employee may be ineligible for a role in our New Zealand office if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.