Lead Product Development Engineer

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 Leadership of 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

Project Team 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

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

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 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.