Who we are 

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 Senior Mechatronics Engineer at Arkeus you will lead the development of technologies that redefine what is possible in autonomous sensing and optical radar systems.  

You will own critical decisions spanning architecture, design, integration, and validation of advanced prototype systems, influencing outcomes from component-level innovation through to mission-level capability. Few engineering roles offer this combination of system-wide impact and hands-on technical depth—one day shaping the future direction of a multi-disciplinary program, the next solving a challenging problem in optics, mechanisms, electronics, or control systems.

Working directly with the CTO and Product Owner, you will help transform ambitious concepts into operational reality while mentoring exceptional engineers and building the foundations of future products. For those motivated by meaningful technical challenges, genuine ownership, and the opportunity to create capabilities that matter this is a career-defining opportunity. 

Key responsibilities 

• Partner with the executive leadership team to understand product and prototype objectives, priorities and requirements.  
• Lead the design of products and prototypes from concept through to validated build.  
• Select materials, components and suppliers to best meet product requirements.  
• Assemble, integrate, test component parts to all-up assemblies.  
• Design and lead field-environment test events for prototype product systems. 
• Support the manufacturing and testing of products and prototypes.  
• Work with the engineering team to transform prototypes into high-quality, production-ready products.  
• Present, review, and compile the products of the systems engineering process.  
• Coach and mentor the engineering team.  
• Communicate risks, issues and dependencies to the Project Manager and leadership. 

Your experience and skills 

Required: 

• Engineering degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Naval or a related discipline. 
• 7+ years in mechatronic/electro-mechanical product development. 
• Experience designing systems incorporating mechanical components, actuators, PCBs, and electronics within an integrated CAD environment.  
• Experience designing actuator controller electronics and firmware control loops.  
• Experience with embedded systems and microcontroller programming (e.g. STM32).  
• Strong knowledge of kinematic and dynamic mathematical modelling.  
• Able to compile BOMs and source components.  
• Ability to travel domestically as needed to support field test events. 

Nice to have: 

• Knowledge of real-time sensor signal conditioning, management, and sizing. 
• Knowledge in and experience with firmware, driver, device-tree, and kernel development.  
• Experience leading a rapid prototyping project. 
• Experience with FPGA integration, bitstream loading, and Verilog. 

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 non-existent. 
• You will collaborate with exceptional leaders who have 40+ years of combined experience in autonomy, optics and defence. You will be learning from — and contributing to — the best in the field. 
• 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 ever would at a large organisation. 
• 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, market-benchmarked salary, 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.