Engender is a pioneering startup revolutionising the dairy industry with a groundbreaking method of gender selection at the sperm stage. We’re at a pivotal point, transitioning from academic research into commercialisation, and are seeking a passionate Mechanical R&D Engineer to join our growing team.
This role bridges digital design and physical build. You’ll design complex mechanical assemblies in CAD and get hands-on in the workshop to machine and fabricate prototypes - playing a critical role in increasing development capacity, supporting design transfer, and ensuring our hardware solutions are robust and manufacturable.
While this is an AgTech environment, experience in Medical Devices, Manufacturing, or Pharmaceuticals is highly regarded, bringing strong process discipline and engineering rigor.
The RoleKey responsibilities include:
- Designing mechanical sub-assemblies and consumables using 3D CAD, with a strong focuson DFM/DFA
- Producing detailed drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
- Fabricating prototypes, jigs, and fixtures using CNC and manual machining equipment
- Working alongside the Principal Machinist to validate designs through hands-on prototyping
- Supporting design transfer from R&D into manufacturing, including work instructions and build documentation
- Executing verification and validation testing with a structured, data-driven approach
- Collaborating with biologists, quality, and engineering teams to ensure solutions meet functional and quality requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Product Design Engineering, or similar
- 2 - 5 years’ experience in product development or commercial hardware environments
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and technical drawings
- Hands-on workshop experience, including CNC or manual milling and turning
- Experience in regulated or high-precision environments (Medical Devices, Pharma, Manufacturing) preferred
- Practical, commercially minded, and comfortable in fast-paced teams
Bonus points if you have:
- Experience working with microfluidic systems or similar precision equipment.
- Familiarity with automation and control systems.
- Join at a critical transition from research to commercialisation
- End-to-end ownership from design through to physical build
- Work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team
- Make a tangible impact on innovative technology with global potential
- The opportunity to be at the forefront of a revolutionary technology in the dairy industry.
- A collaborative and dynamic work environment with a passionate team.
- Competitive salary
- Health Benefits
- The chance to make a real impact on the future of animal agriculture.
Top Skills
What We Do
Engender technology is a next-generation livestock gender-sorting technology.
Engender was formed to solve the high value problem of gender selection in the dairy industry. Initially formed as a spin-out from University of Auckland, Engender's technology uses photonics to orient and sort livestock spermatozoa by gender at lower cost and lower impact than presently possible.
.png)
